A signature BTS look, unlocked (by moving house)
Over the break, our Co-Founder Cooper moved house and uncovered an old Sony NXCAM (HXR-NX70P).
Which sounds like a small thing, but in content terms, it’s basically a miracle for our Marketing Department.
We’ve been filming loads of office moments and behind-the-scenes snippets, and while iPhone footage is incredibly capable, it’s also… very clean.
“I keep noticing how much the “digicam” look is back. That slightly crunchy, early-2000s texture. Not because everyone suddenly became nostalgic, but because people are honestly a bit over the hyper-clean, hyper-perfect phone look. There’s something about lo-fi footage that feels more like a memory than “content”. A few articles have also pointed out how big this trend has gotten in real terms, like people actively hunting down older point-and-shoots, resale prices jumping, and even major brands reissuing compact cameras to meet demand. So yeah, this Sony turning up felt weirdly on time.” – Alex Duggan
Too clean. And if you’ve ever tried to “degrade” iPhone footage to feel more raw, more human, more BTS, you’ll know it quickly becomes its own weird craft project.
So when this Sony popped up, it instantly gave us what we’ve been trying to engineer: a consistent, recognisable BTS look that feels intentional.
Why we care about BTS consistency
Behind-the-scenes content does a few important jobs:
- It proves the work is real (and shows the humans behind it)
- It builds trust before someone ever enquires
- It makes the process feel less intimidating for first-timers
- It shows how we work: organised, collaborative, calm on set
In other words, BTS is not “extra”. It’s part of the brand experience.
The vibe we’re aiming for
This camera gives us a lo-fi, early camcorder energy. Slight grit, natural texture, a bit of movement, a bit of chaos, but still clean enough to feel considered.
It also lines up beautifully with our broader visual territory: motion, texture, and the magic of “imperfect” that still feels designed.
The “rules” for the new Stepney BTS look
To keep it consistent (and not a one-week fling), we’re treating it like an actual format:
- Use case: office moments, shoot day BTS, crew candids, gear prep, set builds
- Style: handheld, observational, quick cut moments, minimal overthinking
- Pacing: short scenes, little slices of time, no long explanations
Here’s the first test
This reel is the first piece of content from the rediscovery. It’s a simple start, but it’s the start of a more consistent BTS system that supports everything else we put out.
