It is because of the families' wealth that they can afford this luxury, but the wealth is also the reason they may feel it is needed.
"Coinciding with their unique social positions and extraordinary benefits come a multitude of tribulations-worries that most families never even consider," Jordan explains.
Successful multigenerational families care about preserving history because they understand that a complex family must have a common vision, he says. "It must look ahead to the future and form a consensus on a shared goal," Jordan says.
Jordan's journalism skills are a key part of the production work. Park of his time is spent researching family histories. He sometimes discovers old films or unearths family stories that some family members don't even know existed.
As an experienced interviewer, Jordan says he can usually tell if people are not telling the truth-but he also has to rely on them to be honest. The hardest part of the job, he says, is dealing with family squabbles or business rivalries. Over time, he says, he is usually able to convince everyone in the family to cooperate for the biography, even if they do not talk to each other in real life.
Jordan says family leaders of wealthy families feel it is important to pass on values such as charitable giving, but they are willing to let succeeding generations pick their own projects or goals.
"Their basic belief is that philanthropy is important. They want to keep the kids grounded," he says. "If the kids know and are proud of their heritage, they will be more interested in protecting the family legacy."