Studio Caffé

Studio Narrative and the “Caffé” Concept

Could you introduce the team behind Studio Caffé and your vision for the podcast space?

I’m Lucas Scherrer, co-founder of Studio Caffé with Thibault Alignan. We’re a creative studio in Montpellier’s Marché du Lez. After running our own production companies for eight years - covering ads, documentaries, and music videos - we joined forces to pursue bigger projects. We wanted a space that matched our style: informal, creative conversations over coffee, not sterile meetings.

That’s how Studio Caffé began. We built a fully equipped space with a 40m² cyclorama and pro lighting, open to any creative - photographers, videographers, content creators - who want to focus on creating while we handle production: multicam editing, sound, colour grading. Our goal is to remove technical barriers so creativity flows.

Podcasting was a natural next step. Clients kept asking for it, and our space is built for conversations. We offer a turnkey service: episode structure, guest casting, custom sets, and social media clips. Clients walk in, create, and we handle the rest.

Why Sony?

We tested many brands. Our main issues before were time lost on technical tweaks and not enough on creativity. Sony stood out for image quality, compactness, and efficiency. The cameras are easy to use, with in-camera profiles and 4:2:2 10-bit for grading. The setup is simple, reliable, and fast - removing friction from the process.

Visual Style

The name Studio Caffé came quickly - coffee is warm and brings people together. We wanted that vibe: sofas, armchairs, minimalist and elegant design. We don’t use a typical podcast set; our décor is modular and unique for each client. Sony’s cameras give us a polished yet natural look, like a beautiful conversation, not a corporate video.

Technical Ecosystem: FX2 & ZV-E10 II Duo

You use the FX2 as A-cam and two ZV-E10 IIs for close-ups. How do you match colours?

Having 4:2:2 10-bit on all cameras was essential, especially for skin tones. Sony’s colour science is consistent, so matching is easy. We set the same profiles and get a cohesive look. The ZV-E10 IIs handle close-ups, the FX2 covers the wide shot with cinematic depth - giving us variety without post headaches.

Why ZV-E10 II as B-cam?

Despite its “vlog camera” label, the ZV-E10 II impressed us with its image quality and 4:2:2 10-bit recording. Its compactness helps guests relax - they forget they’re on camera, which makes for better podcasts.

FX2’s Impact

The FX2’s full-frame sensor and S-Cinetone bring a cinematic feel to our wide shots. We have creative flexibility for grading, and every podcast looks like a film set - setting us apart from typical podcasts.

Autofocus

Autofocus was a concern, but it’s been flawless. It locks on and stays, even as guests move, letting us focus on the conversation, not the tech.

High-Fidelity Audio: Sony C80

You use two C80 condenser mics. First impressions?

We tested several brands, but the C80s stood out for voice clarity and warmth. They match our cinematic visuals and fit our minimalist aesthetic.

Noise Elimination

The C80’s low-cut filter and proximity reduction keep sound clean, even with multiple speakers. We spend less time on audio cleanup, making our workflow more efficient.

Natural Sound

The C80 maintains consistent tone, even as guests move. They don’t have to worry about mic position, helping keep the atmosphere relaxed and natural.

Workflow & Production Efficiency

How do you handle syncing and monitoring?

Our workflow is streamlined. Sony’s colour science makes syncing and matching quick. The whole process - from recording to finished episode - is built around this setup.

Long Sessions

Reliability was key. The gear has performed flawlessly during long recordings. The setup is simple and dependable, letting us focus on guests and content.

Smaller Crew

The compact, simple gear means we can run productions with a lean crew. In-camera profiles and autofocus minimize setup, keeping the studio inviting and efficient.

Advice & Future Vision

Have you received feedback on production quality?

Feedback has been great. Guests often say they forgot they were in a studio, which means the tech fades into the background and the human connection shines - our core philosophy.

Advice for Multi-cam Podcast Setups

Prioritise guest comfort. Use compact, discreet gear and set consistent profiles for easy colour matching. Invest in quality mics - audio is half the experience. The Cinema Line and ZV cameras give cinematic quality without bulk.

What’s next for Studio Caffé?

Now that our podcast setup is solid, we’re exploring new set designs, ambitious lighting, and formats that blend podcasts with short films. We’re also expanding our short-format offerings for social media. Sony’s ecosystem lets us evolve without rethinking our technical base - the gear grows with our ambition.