How it Works
If your nomination is successful, you film the centenarian and The 100 Project edits the film for free. In some circumstances, The 100 Project team may be able to film the centenarian directly.
To help you make a good film, we provide simple tutorials on filming with a smartphone, tips for interviewing centenarians, guidance on scanning old photographs, and a set of suggested questions to help start the conversation.
Your finished film will be shared on The 100 Project website, YouTube channel and social media. Together these films are building a living archive of Australian life, and some may later be seen by wider audiences through television, film festivals or museum exhibitions.
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your video and photos for free editingTutorial: Tips to video a centenarian
Filmmaker John Winter shares essential tips for capturing a compelling interview using a smartphone or camera.
This tutorial covers audio and video fundamentals to help you film a high-quality interview for The 100 Project—whether you’re a complete beginner or have prior experience.
Tutorial: Tips to interview a centenarian
Australian film producer Ros Walker offers 10 practical tips for conducting a meaningful interview with a centenarian. This essential video tutorial guides you through the interview process, from preparation to capturing authentic responses. Ros also walks you through The 100 Project’s specially crafted interview questions designed to draw out the most compelling stories.
Sample Interview QuestionsMy Mum is almost 100 years old, can we make the video early for her 100th birthday?
One rule we have to stick to is that every 100 year old must be 100 years old! But please do make the video after her 100th birthday.
Why do I have to nominate a centenarian?
Each film takes approximately one month to produce. As a result, we are only able to create a limited number of documentaries each year. While we wish we could honour every submission, we are unfortunately unable to produce a film for every centenarian nominated.
My Dad has lived quite an extraordinary life but I'm not in a position to film the interview. Can you help me?
Nominate your Dad by completing the Centenarian Application. In some special circumstances we might be able to film the interview.
Does it cost?
No, and no ‘hidden’ costs. We will however require some of your time and lots of your enthusiasm!
Will it take much time to video my 100+ year old grandparent?
You’ll need a bit of time to prepare: watch the tutorials, set up the camera, find the right location and consider what questions you want to ask. The interview itself will probably only take an hour or two but you’ll also need to allocate some time to upload & caption your photos.
I don't have the latest phone. Is that okay?
Any smartphone from the last 5 years should be fine. If you don’t have one, someone in the family probably will.
I don’t know what questions to ask the centenarian?
We provide a list of questions to ask. You can stick with them or you can add your own. It’s up to you.
We live in a remote area, can we still participate?
Absolutely, we’re keen to hear the stories of Australians from all parts of the country. If you don’t have good internet follow the instructions to send us a USB drive.
My Dad has got some great stories but is sometimes a bit hard to understand? Is that okay?
Tell us about it in the Centenarian Application but telling ‘great stories’ is certainly what we’re after. There are some simple techniques like moving the camera in close (don’t zoom in) that will help, and we’ll also be able to assist in the edit room. In addition, all our videos will have English language captions.
What if the centenarian doesn’t speak English?
Unfortunately, at this stage, we don’t have the resources to edit any video that is not in English.
I’m a technical luddite, can you assist me?
Get the family involved – there’s a budding filmmaker in most families! Or just give it a go yourself. Our video tutorials will answer most questions.
Are you going to include everything we shoot?
Generally speaking, when it comes to filmmaking, ‘less is more’. Editing allows us to select the bits that best tell the centenarian’s story.
How important are photos of the centenarian?
Very! Photos really help tell the centenarian’s story and will give your video a much more professional look. If you also happen to have some old film/video, that’s a bonus! Having said that, cameras were less common and film was expensive, so some centenarians do not have many photos from when they were young.
I know why I want a video of my 100+ year old Dad, but what’s in for you?
We’re passionate filmmakers and telling Australian stories is what we love to do. With your video and photos we can create short films of 100 year olds to share with the world.
My Great Grandmother is 100 but is a bit reluctant to be interviewed. Any suggestions?
Remind her that the family will treasure it. A keepsake forever.