Jake Ray Winger 🎥 Local filmmaker preserving memories through storytelling
Posted on April 1st, 2025 in Harlow Business Case Study
Jake Ray Winger Storytelling is a home-grown Harlow business that offers creative audio-visual services all under one roof. In a nutshell, Jake creates storytelling experiences that bring people together. A key component of the business combines the art of video making with the importance of preserving memories. Originally a self-taught musician, Jake went on to study and work at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP). His peers often said how his music would lend itself nicely to film, to which feedback he heeded, and so took songwriting to the next level to become a composer. He gained experience in other film-related projects, including; weddings, gigs, adverts, voiceovers, graphic design and music composition. With Jake’s lifelong passion for music and film, he combined his creative skills into what is now a film production company, creating music for film and the film itself.
He started creating short films on a zero budget, which all went on to be featured in several global film festivals. The most recent and self-funded film ‘To You, My Love’ released on July 13th 2024. Jake directed the cast of 25 people of that film, which went on to not only have an online premiere, but also an in-person premiere at a local cinema, where cast, crew, extras and patrons attended. This film has also premiered at several film festivals, and was recognised as a finalist at the 2025 England International Film Festival. Like many of us, during the pandemic, Jake had a lot of free time and developed a new hobby: exploring his family’s past. Using heritage websites and archives, he traced his family tree back through the years, as far back as 1220! This exploration sparked a new business idea. Jake shared with us:
are a great resource, but unfortunately the photos and facts found don’t have sound or movement attached of course. Imagine knowing your ancestors’ voice, and how they laughed, to have that would be magic. I thought, with the technology now available, why not capture the history we’re currently making, and so the idea of the Time Capsule Sessions was born.”
With his extensive knowledge in filmmaking, Jake began developing the unique service of video Time Capsule Sessions. Most of us reminisce about times in our lives, the places we used to live, experiences, and the people who are most important to us. The Time Capsule Sessions aim to capture those exact moments and people on video, creating a snapshot of time for people to enjoy now and in the future. The autobiographical sessions include a one-on-one interview where you tell your own story, whether it is about life experiences or
general reflections on life. The video captures the person’s story in their own voice, preserving their perspective, laugh, and mannerisms. You can view some examples of Time Capsule Sessions at the following link: www.jakeraywinger.com/time-capsule-sessions. We asked Jake to tell us more about the Time Capsule video sessions, and he said:
“The sessions are for anyone who would enjoy reflecting on their life story. It’s great for self-reflection but also serves as something tangible to pass on to the next generation. In many years to come, your great-great-great-grandchildren could watch your Time Capsule Session and learn about you, your life, and what made you happy. This is time travel, the coolest superpower.
We film the sessions in an environment where you feel most comfortable, ranging from 1-2+ hours to complete. We set up a fairly small camera and lighting rig, then guide the session with a conversation-style Q&A, simply talk through your life experiences, core memories, and anything else you want captured on film. Afterwards, I edit the video contents and share the completed video with you. This can then be kept and passed on to loved ones for generations to come.”
At its heart, the Time Capsule Sessions focus on the importance of capturing memories and preserving moments in time. There is a beauty in everyday life that can often be missed when we’re busy living it. Taking a video snapshot in this format helps lock in people’s experiences in their own voice, which simply can’t be captured in a photograph. This service is perfect for individuals, friends, family, or loved ones and makes a unique gift experience for anyone looking for a special present for an individual, couple, or small group. If you’re interested in a Time Capsule Session for yourself or someone else, please get in touch for a chat with Jake. Any other creative audio or visual enquiries are also welcome.
🌐 Website: www.jakeraywinger.com
📞 Telephone: 07714 884941
📧 Email: [email protected]