Tuning Into Nostalgia | Skew x BBC Studios

TL:DR: Join us on a journey through a TV time-warp as Skew brought BBC’s timeless icons back to the spotlight. With a perfect blend of retro charm and modern design, we created the binge-worthy brand, ‘BBC Playback’.
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Services Provided:

• Market and trend research

• Brand naming

• Digitalisation of legacy logos

• Style guide

• Packaging

Check out our full range of services here.

Project Nostalgia

Longstanding Skew client, BBC Studios, recently approached us with the exciting challenge of revitalising a series of iconic BBC properties from their archive. The objective was to create cohesive collections of nostalgic yet contemporary designs that would resonate with today’s market. Skew’s challenge included recreating classic logos, conceptualising an overarching "umbrella" identity to unify the collection, and crafting labels and swing tags for an exclusive merchandise launch at BLE 2024.

On the same wavelength

With a history of successful collaborations, including projects for BBC’s Doctor Who packaging and BBC’s Music Label Demon Music Group, Skew was tuned in from the start, making them the natural choice for bringing these BBC classics back to life. The BBC appreciated our in-depth understanding of their brand heritage and our creative approach to extending this into tangible, trend-lead guides for commercial partners.

‘And it all happened quite quickly. The project from start to finish took around two months. We had three or four meetings during that time – and Skew nailed it. Totally nailed it.’
David Wilson-Nunn, Creative Director at BBC Studios""

How we did it

• Archival archeology
  We began with an immersive dive into BBC’s archives, meticulously reviewing selected logos investigating how we could leverage the power of nostalgia and connect with today’s audiences. We developed a visual language for each selected property, including Ceefax and Tomorrow's World, ensuring they could be transformed into striking collections that capture attention in a retail setting.

• Logo recreation
  Many of the logos weren’t in digital formats, so Skew reconstructed each one. This was not just a technical task but an exercise in preserving authenticity while enhancing each design for modern applications. Our team carefully restored each logo, retaining its character while ensuring they would appeal to contemporary viewers.

• Design translation for apparel
  With the logos and graphics recreated, we explored how they could be adapted into visually striking designs for apparel and print. Each logo was thoughtfully positioned and scaled for various applications, ensuring the products felt elevated and attractive to the target demographic.

• Creation of a cohesive brand identity
  To unify the collection, we developed an umbrella logo and brand identity that would carry the essence of BBC’s heritage while appealing to a new generation. We explored past iterations of BBC branding to inspire the overarching identity.

• Naming and final touches
  The naming process culminated in "BBC Playback," a title that perfectly embodies the collection’s mix of retro charm and the BBC’s contemporary brand. Each design element—from the asset suite to the packaging—was crafted to evoke strong nostalgia while remaining fresh and desirable for a new generation unfamiliar with the original properties.

Live & Kicking!

Skew has had the pleasure of collaborating with BBC Studios on numerous projects, and this fabulously nostalgic trip down British broadcast memory lane was no exception. We dove into the BBC’s rich archive, resurrecting TV classics and reimagining them for a modern audience. The result? An umbrella brand and a series of collections that will spark excitement amongst their commercial partners. ‘‘BBC Playback’ is all about capturing the heart of BBC’s prime-time past for today’s audience, and the signals coming through loud and clear.

'What Skew do really well is take all that information, ask the right questions and then they go away and come back with a series of options. They did all that, as well as coming back to us with an overview of what’s happening in the apparel market for this type of thing, right now.'
David Wilson-Nunn, Creative Director at BBC Studios""

Tune in

At Skew we have over 20 years experience working with historic household names, whether it’s heritage brands, national institutions or world renowned museums. We are archive experts with a knack for storytelling and a strategic eye for commercial applications that will get buyers beating down your doors! If you need help creating your next big hit get in touch today, and let’s broadcast your vision to the world.