I’ve been chasing formats since 1978.
I’m Dave Phillips. I’m not a franchise and I’m not a factory. I am a lifelong archivist operating a boutique workshop in Colwood, BC, dedicated to the art of preservation.
Dave Phillips seen here in his workshop at night. Moody lighting for effect.
Date: December 2025
A Colwood Family Operation.
While I personally oversee every project, The Meticulous Archivist is a family endeavor.
Dave Phillips
I handle all tape transfers, film reels, and delicate restoration work. If it involves a moving part, I handle it.
Amy Phillips
Our daughter Amy has personally scanned over 10,000 photos. She handles the high-volume print scanning with a patience that rivals my own.
Jessica Phillips
My wife Jessica is the heart of our operations. She ensures that when you email us, you get a human response, not a robot.
Diego
Diego is part of our Security Team. He doesn’t handle any media, but he ensures that we’re all immediately notified when someone arrives at the door.
My Journey from Show & Tell to Today
Take a trip down my memory lane.
1970s: The Spark
In 1978, at six years old, I made my first stop-motion movie using Lego, Hot Wheels, and my sister’s snow boot. My dad helped me bring his Bell & Howell projector to my Grade 2 class to screen my three-minute masterpiece. My teacher, Mrs. Godfrey, gave me a “Best Director” award.
1980s: The Video Pioneer
While other students were into sports, I was having my parents rent a VHS camera for me so I could experiment with it. I shot everything I could, including my first family wedding while still in school. I became obsessed with the home computing revolution (VIC-20, C-64), dreaming of how computers and video would eventually merge.
1990s
During the 90s I videotaped over 200 weddings. I shot them on a Hi8 camcorder and edited them on ‘Super’ VHS. The 90s also brought Macromedia Flash, which opened up creative possibilities with websites. I loved it.
2000s: The Digital Transition
When Sony released Digital8, I jumped in immediately. I moved my workflow from analog decks to non-linear computer editing using FireWire. I began producing looping video graphics and promotional videos for Victoria businesses, bridging the gap between “analog tape” and the new “digital file.”
2010s
VIATec Award videos, Green Screen studio, business explainer videos. hundreds of websites
Today: The Meticulous Archivist
Now, in my 50s, I have come full circle. I no longer shoot new videos. Instead, I dedicate my time to what I’ve always loved most: Preserving the old ones. I help families digitize their past into modern, accessible formats like Google Photos and Plex, ensuring their memories are safe and easily shared.
The Future
Under development…
