Heritage Open Days films in Winchester

We made the Behind the Business short documentaries for Heritage Open Days in Winchester, Hampshire. The films explore Kingsgate Books & Prints, Hayward Guitars, The Colour Factory, P&G Wells bookshop and The Winchester Bindery.

These businesses give the project a specific local subject: books, instruments, art and bookbinding, explored through the people and places connected with them. The films and accompanying images appear above.

A city seen through its businesses

A business can hold a part of a place's history in its daily work. The objects, skills and surroundings provide a way into that story, while the people involved bring their own knowledge and perspective.

The Behind the Business project brings several such subjects together within Winchester. The individual films give viewers time with each business, while the collection presents a broader view of the city's working and cultural life.

Documentary filmmaking for heritage subjects

For a heritage commission, the most useful starting point is the material that makes the subject particular. A building, a collection or a person’s experience can provide that focus. Interviews then have something concrete to refer to, supported by images of the relevant places, objects or activities.

This approach depends on access and preparation. Knowing what can be filmed, when it is available and who can explain it helps shape a film with a clear subject and enough visual detail to sustain it.

Preparing your own heritage film

Share the subject, intended audience and the people you would like involved. Include any opening dates, access restrictions or archive material that should be considered. Identify who can check names, dates and specialist information before publication.

For a website, visitor display or shorter social version, tell us where the film will be seen. Captions, transcripts and different edits can be discussed as part of the production.

Explore our documentary film service, or tell us about your heritage project. You can also email your brief with the location, contributors and intended use.