Archive the Ordinary
Preserving memories for future generations.
Heritage documentary films that capture the voices, wisdom, and untold stories of the people who shape your family.
Watch the intro
6:38
Why this matters
Stories are the most human thing we have. And the ordinary ones disappear first.
They're how we make sense of where we came from, how we pass down what we've learned, and how the people we love stay with us long after they're gone. A grandparent's voice telling a story they've never written down is irreplaceable. Once it's lost, no amount of technology can bring it back.
We live in a world filling up with AI-generated content and synthetic video. The more artificial everything becomes, the more valuable a real human story gets. No algorithm can replicate the weight of someone telling their story in their own voice, in their own words.
I started Archive the Ordinary because I believe the most important stories aren't the famous ones. They're the ones told at kitchen tables. The ones we think everyone already knows. Those are the ones worth preserving.
How it works
From first conversation to finished film
Discovery call
We learn about your family, the stories that matter, and what you'd love to preserve. No pressure, just a conversation about the people who shaped your life.
Pre-interview
We sit down with your loved one beforehand to build comfort and trust. By film day, we feel like old friends and the conversation flows naturally.
The filmed interview and B-Roll
A relaxed, cinematic sit-down in their home or a meaningful location. We capture the interview along with B-Roll of the details that tell their story visually.
Editing and revisions
We weave the interview with family photos, archival footage, and music into a documentary film. You'll get a chance to review and request changes before it's finalized.
Final delivery
Your finished heritage film, delivered digitally in full quality. Something your family will treasure and revisit for generations to come.
The filmmaker
Hi, I'm Zander
I've always loved telling stories through film. For years I worked in corporate video production, creating content for brands and businesses. It was good work, but it wasn't the work I wanted to be doing. I kept coming back to the same thing: the interviews, the real conversations, the moments where someone forgets the camera is there and just talks.
That's what led me to start Archive the Ordinary. The name is an oxymoron on purpose. I don't believe any story is ordinary. But we live in a culture obsessed with the wealthy, the famous, the "successful." The stories that get overlooked are the ones that actually matter. The ones that are all around us.
It's a mission to make sure the people in your life get to tell their story while they still can. My goal is simple: create a space where someone feels comfortable enough to sit down, open up, and be themselves on camera. Everything else follows from that.
Our promise: For every four films we produce for paying clients, we give one away for free to a family that may not be in the financial position to purchase one. Everyone deserves to have their story told.
Packages
Every package includes a professionally filmed and edited documentary you'll have forever
Story Video
$1,500
- 2 hour film day
- Interview
- 5-10 minute edited video
- Full uncut interview
Heritage Video
$3,300
- 4 hour film day
- Interviews and B-Roll
- 20+ photos scanned
- 20 minute edited video
- Full uncut interview
Documentary Film
$6,200
- Full film day
- Interviews and B-Roll
- 30–40 photos scanned
- Multiple interviewees
- 25 minute edited video
- Full uncut interview
Common questions
Everything you need to know before getting started
How long does the whole process take?
From our first call to your finished film, it's typically 4 to 6 weeks. The interview itself usually runs 1 to 2 hours depending on the package, and we handle all the scheduling around your family's availability.
What if they're camera shy or nervous?
Most people are at first, and that's completely normal. That's exactly why we do a pre-interview before film day. By the time the camera rolls, we've already built a rapport and they know what to expect. Within the first few minutes of the real interview, nearly everyone relaxes and forgets the camera is there.
Can we include old photos and home video?
Absolutely. We scan and incorporate family photos, old home video footage, documents, and anything else that helps bring the story to life. Our Heritage Video and Documentary Film packages include photo scanning as part of the process.
What if they have health or mobility concerns?
We come to them. We film in their home, care facility, or wherever they're most comfortable. We bring all the equipment and set everything up around their space. If they tire easily, we take breaks as needed and can split the interview across shorter sessions. The whole process is built to work at their pace.
Can other family members be involved?
Yes. Family members can be present during the interview, and with the Documentary Film package we interview multiple people to build a fuller picture of the story. Spouses, children, or grandchildren can all contribute their own memories and perspectives.
Do you film outside of Vancouver?
We film anywhere in the Lower Mainland at no extra cost. We also travel across Canada for families outside the region. For locations beyond the Lower Mainland, we add a travel fee to cover transportation and accommodation. Get in touch and we can put together a quote for your location.
What do we receive at the end?
You receive a professionally edited documentary film as a digital download in full quality, ready to watch, share with family, or keep archived for future generations. Every package also includes the full uncut interview so nothing is lost.
What's the difference between the packages?
The Story Video is a focused interview with one person, edited into a 15-minute film. The Heritage Video adds B-Roll footage, photo scanning, and a longer 20-minute edit for a more cinematic result. The Documentary Film is a full production with multiple interviewees, extensive photo scanning, and a 25-minute film that captures a broader family story.
How do you handle sensitive or emotional topics?
With care. We never push anyone to talk about something they're not comfortable with. During the pre-interview we discuss what topics they'd like to cover and what they'd prefer to avoid. If emotions come up on film day, we pause, take a breath, and let them decide how to proceed. Some of the most meaningful moments in a film happen in those real, unscripted seconds, but only if the person feels safe.
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