Keepsake Studios: Stunning Personal Documentaries

 

I just finished watching a personal documentary film by Keepsake Studios, titled The Legendary Life of Angelo Capozzi. The 24-minute documentary tells the story of 92-year-old surgeon Angelo Capozzi, who, among his numerous accomplishments, operated on over 22,000 children in countries around the world with cleft palates.

The documentary begins with Dr. Capozzi’s father emigrating from Italy in the 1920s. Through narrative excellence, Dr. Capozzi’s story is told by his wife, children, and a narrator who enables the audience to understand Dr. Capozzi’s humanity and his commitment to making this world a better place.

One of the most touching scenes occurs when Angelo explains how, when he got cancer on the tip of his tongue, he made a pact with God that he would attend Catholic Mass every day, which he’s done daily since then.

Keepsake’s Executive Creative Producer, Aileen Merciel, told us, “It’s official: Keepsake Studios has launched! We create stunning personal documentaries that celebrate loved ones with joy, beauty, and heart. Great stories don’t just appear when the camera turns on. They show up when someone knows how to ask the right questions, when laughter escapes, when the little details spill out. ‍ Our seasoned producers guide the conversation and blend those stories with your family’s photos, home movies, and archives, shaping it all into a delightful film that gives your family a timeless Keepsake and gives future generations a front-row seat to their own history.”

In fact, last week, Keepsake Studios screened its debut film, The Legendary Life of Angelo Capozzi, at Cinelounge Tiburon, with more than 200 guests joining them for the premiere.

How did I, a podcast reviewer, discover Keepsake Studios? Aileen Merciel, the Executive Creative Director of Keepsake Studios, was the creator/ co-host of one of the best business independent podcasts in the industry, Surfing Corporate. The show’s elevator pitch was: “Hosted by Aileen Merciel and Glenda Pacanins, former media executives who have experienced first-hand what really goes on behind fancy corporate doors (and have a slightly evil sense of humor), this podcast aims to entertain as well as provide practical advice to employees who are currently navigating turbulent corporate waters.”

The show, which released nearly 60 episodes and won an Ear Worthy Award as the Best Business Podcast Of The Year in 2024. Aileen’s co-host, Glenda Pacanins, (GP) was a Senior Vice President, Programming and Content Strategy NBC Universal, Telemundo Enterprises.

Aileen A. Merciel (AM) was a Senior Vice President, Marketing & Creative — NBC Universal, Telemundo Enterprise. Merciel is a Venezuelan-American media executive who started at Sony Pictures Entertainment Networks Latin America Venezuela as an On-Air Promotions Producer. She held corporate positions in Venezuela, Mexico, and the U.S.

“Aileen explains, “Keepsake Studios is a legacy storytelling studio that creates stunning personal documentaries celebrating the lives of loved ones. Think Netflix-style biographical documentary, but made for someone you cherish deeply, so their story can live on for generations to come.”

Aileen continues: “For me, this is the perfect way to apply everything I’ve learned throughout my career about storytelling, production, content, music and creativity to something deeply meaningful. From how each chapter of a life unfolds, to every song choice, graphic, and transition. Every detail is carefully designed with intention to honor the person at the heart of the story. What we create is not just a film. It’s a lifelong gift for generations to come. (Sounds corny, but it’s true.)”

Keepsake’s Founder — Executive Producer Priya David Clemens — is a veteran storyteller with over 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism. Formerly an anchor and correspondent for CBS News, NBC News, and leading local stations, her journalism has been recognized with a Murrow Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Priya has interviewed leaders and icons, including Warren Buffett, Kobe Bryant, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris. She also served as the spokesperson for the Golden Gate Bridge.

At Keepsake Studios, Priya leads a team dedicated to creating legacy films that elevate personal history into cinematic art.

Aileen notes: “I’m endlessly grateful to Priya David Clemens, whose vision and fierce determination sparked this idea and turned it into reality. Together, we’ve shaped Keepsake from a simple concept into something truly unique; there’s nothing else like it in the market today.”

Priya and Aileen proclaim, “Huge thanks to our phenomenal team, Tamryn Watson, Hubert Reinfeld, Lucy De Freitas Hofle, Matthew Pendergast, Daniel Zahalka for their talent and their contagious good vibes.”

Aileen adds: “And of course, a special shout-out to my husband Emanuel Merciel for his support and patience throughout this entire process.”

So how does the process work?

Priya explains: “We begin by listening. Together with key family members, we explore your vision and gain a deep understanding of the person at the heart of the story. ‍We review family treasures such as photos, home movies, and letters, selecting the pieces that best bring the story to life. ‍From these threads, we uncover the themes and moments that matter most and shape them into a meaningful narrative arc.”

Priya adds: “Film captures the essence of a person in ways nothing else can: the sound of their laugh, the sparkle in their eyes, the way they pause before sharing a memory. It is immersive and unforgettable.”

‍Aileen and Priya tell us that most Keepsake films take about three months from start to finish. The process takes this time because of the thoughtful care involved: aligning schedules, conducting interviews, curating archives, filming in full, and shaping the story through an editing process that gives your film both polish and depth.

Aileen adds, “For those who wish, we can also create heirloom books to complement a film. These are beautifully designed, crafted to hold photographs, letters, and stories in a form meant to be touched, held, and passed down through generations. Together, a film and a book offer a legacy both enduring and resonant.”

Priya emphasizes: “It means you are fully supported from beginning to end. We take care of planning, logistics, and production, ensuring the experience feels seamless. Your part is to enjoy the process while we handle the details with care and discretion.”Priya emphasized, “We’re so proud of what we’re building, and can’t wait to create more Keepsake films for families who want to preserve and celebrate their stories. Check out our website for more information.” 

My reaction after viewing The Legendary Life of Angelo Capozzi was one of admiration for Dr. Capozzi's life well-lived, and of a personal documentary crafted with utmost care and a talent for narrative excellence. 

I know Aileen Merciel, and as a podcaster, she excelled. I still listen to archived episodes of Surfing Corporate. I don’t know Priya Clemons, but I am familiar with her body of work. Nobody wins a Murrow award and scores Emmy nominations if they are not top-notch in their field of expertise. 

If you are interested in a personal documentary film for yourself or a loved one, check out Keepsake Studios. Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

Keepsake Studios can help you answer that question.