Private Documentaries
Private Family Documentary Films
Before memories fade, preserve the people, stories and relationships that matter to you.
Before memories fade, preserve the people, stories and relationships that matter to you.
You have created the most beautiful and lasting snapshot of my family in all their warts and glory - but somehow even the warts have been sensitively rendered! I have watched, re-watched, and forwarded many many times for my own and others’ laughs and tears. - Sophie R
Made by professional filmmakers who work for global broadcasters, with the same craft brought to your story.
Made by professional filmmakers who work for global broadcasters, with the same craft brought to your story.
Private Family Legacy
Private Family Legacy
For families whose history spans generations, places, enterprises or collections, we create more extensive documentary projects preserving the voices, relationships and private histories behind the official record.
Each project is discreetly researched, carefully curated and shaped around the particular family - often in collaboration with family offices, trustees or trusted advisers.
Celia is very skillful at turning everyday family nonsense and general chit-chat into an amusing but emotionally sensitive film which is beautifully curated. She has a good eye for spotting the funny, quirky moments within family interactions that are often overlooked. We love our family film documenting a snapshot of three generations and it will be cherished in the years to come. - Lois K
Photographs show what someone looks like - a documentary captures who they are.
Photographs show what someone looks like - a documentary captures who they are.
These films have been shared with written permission. Private commissions remain private unless you choose otherwise.
A private family documentary preserving the story of a much-loved village shop, the family behind it, and a legacy stretching back to the years after the Second World War.
Three daughters and three grandchildren come together to celebrate the formidable woman at the centre of their family.
A gentle family documentary exploring how love, heritage and identity are passed down through generations and across cultures.
These films have been shared with written permission. Private commissions remain private unless you choose otherwise.
A private family documentary preserving the story of a much-loved village shop, the family behind it, and a legacy stretching back to the years after the Second World War.
Three daughters and three grandchildren come together to celebrate the formidable woman at the centre of their family.
A couple whose shared life is filled with love, puppetry, morris dancing and a wonderfully eccentric sense of adventure.
Christine looks back on growing up as one of nine children, in a family short on money but rich in stories, humour and love.
A gentle family documentary exploring how love, heritage and identity are passed down through generations and across cultures.
I took my mother for a walk through a graveyard. As we wander between the graves, Mum remembers assorted characters from lives gone by.
A private family documentary about a couple whose shared life is filled with love, puppetry, Morris dancing and a wonderfully eccentric sense of adventure.
Christine looks back on her family history, growing up as one of nine children in a family short on money but rich in stories, memories, humour and love.
I took my mother for a walk through a graveyard. As we wander between the graves, Mum remembers old friends, neighbours, my former headmistress and assorted characters from lives gone by.
A documentary about a couple whose shared life is filled with love, puppetry, Morris dancing and a wonderfully eccentric sense of adventures.
Christine looks back on her family history, growing up as one of nine children in a family short on money but rich in stories, memories, humour and love.
A gentle family documentary exploring how love, heritage and identity are passed down through generations and across cultures.
I took my mother for a walk through a graveyard. As we wander between the graves, Mum remembers old friends, neighbours, my former headmistress and assorted characters from lives gone by.
The things worth preserving aren't always the things you'd think to record.
The things worth preserving aren't always the things you'd think to record.
We nearly didn't do it because we were worried it would be a bit cheesy. We couldn't have been more wrong. It captured Dad's personality so perfectly that we still laugh, cry and recognise him every time we watch it. - Claire A
Why One Photograph Can Unlock a Lifetime of Memories
One old photograph can unlock an extraordinary number of memories. A look at why photographs are such powerful prompts for family stories, relationships and the details we might otherwise forget. ...more
Family Memory & Legacy → Preserve
August 12, 2026•3 min read
Most people think they're preserving their family history.
What does it really mean to preserve your family history? Photographs, family trees and archives capture the facts, but often miss the people behind them. Documentary filmmaker Celia Peterson explores... ...more
Family Memory & Legacy → Preserve
August 11, 2026•3 min read
What's the process?
What's the process?
Listen first
Every family documentary begins with a conversation - the same starting point we'd use developing a film for a broadcaster. We'll talk about the family, the people, the relationships and stories you'd like to preserve. You don't need to have everything figured out - we'll help uncover what matters most.
Find the story
Every relationship and family has its own rhythm. Together, we'll discover the story that's already there. It might centre on one person, two people or several generations. Sometimes there's a milestone or a particular piece of family history you'd like your documentary to preserve. Often, the story is simply in everyday life.
Spend time together
This is the filming stage, though it rarely feels like a film shoot. Your documentary filmmaker spends time with you, observing, chatting and capturing real moments as they naturally unfold. No scripts. No performances. Just people being themselves.
Depending on the story, your film might be made by one filmmaker or a small documentary crew. We deliberately keep filming intimate and unobtrusive, so people can relax and forget about the camera.
Shape the story
Back in the edit, we apply the same narrative craft and editorial judgement we bring to broadcast documentaries — weaving conversations, moments and memories into a family documentary film that feels true to the people at its heart.
A film to keep
Before the film is finalised, you'll have the chance to watch it and share any thoughts. The finished documentary becomes a private lasting record of the people, voices and relationships that have shaped your life - a piece of your family archive to keep and pass on to future generations.
A few questions you might have
Who might the film be about?
A parent or grandparent. A couple. Brothers and sisters. Several generations together. Old friends. The people behind a family business. A particular chapter of family history. Or simply someone whose voice, character and stories you don't want to lose.
My family isn't very interesting. Is it still worth making a documentary?
Almost everyone says this. The films aren't about extraordinary lives - they're about relationships. The conversations, humour, disagreements, traditions and everyday moments that make your relationships uniquely yours.
What actually happens on the filming day?
Filming is deliberately relaxed and unobtrusive. Depending on the story, we might spend time at home, revisit meaningful places, look through photographs, film everyday life or simply sit and talk. There is no script and nobody needs to perform. Our job is to create the conditions in which real conversations and moments can happen naturally.
How long does the process take?
Every project is different, but we have an introductory call where we work out who is going to be in the film, where we will film them and what they will be doing. After that, we agree on a day (or two ) for filming and then the edit takes about 2-3 weeks.
Can we choose what is and isn't included?
Absolutely. These are collaborative commissions, you'll always have the opportunity to discuss anything before the film is finalised.
How much does it cost?
Every story is different. Costs depend on filming time, editing requirements and the final film deliverables. Get in touch and we'll create a proposal based on your family's needs.
We're camera-shy, is that a problem?
Not at all. Almost everyone says this before filming. Our approach is quiet and unobtrusive, and after a short while most people forget the camera is there. We usually work alone or as a very small crew, which helps keep things relaxed and natural.
How do we get started?
Reach out through the contact form and tell us a little about who you'd like to capture. We’ll take it from there.
Where do you film?
We're based in the UK but regularly film throughout the UK and internationally.
Will this be shared publicly?
No. These are private commissions and your film will not be published or shared publicly unless you specifically choose otherwise. The films you see on this website have been shared with the permission of the people featured.
A documentary becomes part of your family archive. Voices, stories, relationships and personalities, preserved as they really are. A film to watch now - a piece of family history that will matter even more later.
A documentary becomes part of your family archive. Voices, stories, relationships and personalities, preserved as they really are. A film to watch now - a piece of family history that will matter even more later.
Let's start the conversation
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