Join Cameron and Brian, the creative minds behind Purple Donut Studios, for a deep dive into the world of video production and marketing. In each episode, they share stories from their journey running a creative powerhouse, offer behind-the-scenes insights into their latest projects, and provide tips for crafting captivating content. Whether you're a business owner, a creative professional, or just someone who loves great storytelling, this podcast delivers a mix of inspiration, education, and humor straight from Frederick Maryland's creative scene.
Behind the "Everyday Hero" Ad: Building an Action Movie Trailer for Straight Shot Training
Cameron sits down with editor and camera specialist Matt Friend to break down the making of Straight Shot Training's newest ad, a Warehouse Cinemas spot styled like an action movie trailer. They cover how Matt joined the PDS team, the studio's "vibes-based" hiring philosophy, storyboarding a scripted shoot from scratch, surviving two rounds of surprise rain mid-shoot, and why the best ads (Super Bowl classics included) sell emotion instead of features. If you've ever wondered what it takes to turn a gym client into an action hero in 30 seconds, this one's for you.
20 Jan 2025
Office Hours: How We Made Our First Ad
In this episode of the Purple Donut Podcast, hosts Cameron Harris and Brian Munday discuss their recent project: a video ad for Purple Donut Studios. They share insights into their creative process, the challenges they faced, and how they utilized AI to develop the script. The conversation also covers the technical aspects of shooting the ad, the gear used and the various scenes they filmed, including a wedding scene and a restaurant shoot.
www.PurpledonutStudios.com
7 Jan 2025
2024 Recap & 2025 Game Plan
In this episode of the Purple Donut Podcast, hosts Brian Munday and Cameron discuss the transition from their previous podcast, Follow Focus, to the new format of the Purple Donut Podcast. They reflect on their personal and professional growth over the past year, including the successes and challenges faced in their creative business. The conversation covers their plans for future episodes, the importance of investing in quality equipment, and the role of technology and AI in enhancing their creative processes. They also share their goals for 2025, emphasizing the need for a stronger social media presence and the desire to create a dedicated studio space.
2 Jul 2024
What is a Purple Donut?
In this conversation, Brian and Cameron discuss their experience with marketing their own business and the importance of branding. The conversation revolves around the effectiveness of the Purple Donut Studios brand and how it has helped attract clients. The unique name, logo, and branding have made them stand out in a crowded market. They discuss the importance of having a memorable domain name and the challenges of finding an available one. They also touch on the use of different top-level domains and their impact on branding. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a distinct and memorable brand identity.
Follow Focus is a Purple Donut Studios podcast
www.PurpleDonutStudios.com
27 Jun 2024
Hello New Laptops, Goodbye Old Camera
Cameron and Brian discuss their new MacBook Pro laptops and compare the specs and performance of their previous machines. They highlight the improved features of the new laptops, such as the M3 Max chip, increased RAM, and better battery life. They also discuss the benefits of the larger screen size and the ability to connect multiple external displays. They also talk about their experiences with camera equipment failures and the importance of having backups, the importance of having diffusion flags for outdoor shoots and the convenience of using a DeWalt contractor bag as a camera bag.
11 Jun 2024
Brian Has Even More New Video Toys
In this conversation, Cameron and Brian discuss Brian's experience retrofitting his camera with a new screen and other accessories. They talk about the challenges and benefits of modifying the camera, including the ability to articulate the screen and add additional features like an M.2 drive. They also discuss the limitations of using an iPad as a control and monitor surface for the camera. Brian and Cameron discuss the Andy Cine camera, firmware updates, and their experiences with different camera lenses. They also talk about the challenges of using external monitors and the benefits of motorized zoom lenses. They mention the new Sigma lens and the Canon Cine lens, as well as their thoughts on the pricing and use cases of these lenses. They briefly touch on the Cinegear event and the upcoming Blackmagic Pyxis camera. In this conversation, Cameron and Brian discuss the benefits of using variable ND filters, the features of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, and the advantages of archiving videos in the H.265 format. They also mention the battery life of the camera and the ability to rotate the screen 180 degrees.
Follow Focus is a Purple Donut Studios podcast.
www.PurpleDonutStudios.com
4 Jun 2024
Gaff Tape is Magic
In this conversation, Cameron and Brian discuss their experiences with buying refurbished and used camera equipment. They talk about their experiences with Sweetwater's customer service and the packaging of Best Buy's orders. They also discuss the benefits of buying refurbished lenses and the differences between EF and EF-S mounts. They share their thoughts on the Canon EF-S 17-55mm lens and its performance on different cameras. Then, they dive into the use of gaff tape in their filmmaking projects. They talk about the versatility and reliability of gaff tape, sharing anecdotes of how they have used it to solve various equipment issues. Additionally, they introduce a new segment where they share one thing they have learned in the past week related to video production. They talk about the importance of lighting and how to achieve a certain look by masking the subject and adjusting the background in post-production. They also discuss the benefits of using wireless video control systems to remotely control camera settings during shoots. Additionally, they explore the idea of mounting a wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver to an iPad for easy monitoring and control. They plan to experiment with this setup in the future.
Chapters:
00:00 Exploring Camera Equipment and Lenses
03:04 Understanding Refurbished Camera Equipment
05:39 Lens Mount Compatibility and Practical Use
09:52 Value of Used and Refurbished Camera Equipment
11:42 Historical Significance of Camera Lenses
32:47 The Versatility of Gaff Tape in Production
48:24 Continuous Learning in Visual Media Production
50:24 Mastering Lighting Techniques for Production Work
54:24 Challenges and Solutions in Real Estate Shoots
01:13:55 Efficient Equipment and Delivery Options for Production Work
Follow Focus is a Purple Donut Studios podcast.
28 May 2024
Red Cinema vs Black Magic Cinema
In this episode, Cam and Brian discus their views on the competitor camera brand Red. Discovering some astronomical price difference between Black Magic and Red... But it is confirmed, we are not Red Haters.
Thanks for listening!
A Purple Donut Studios Production
21 May 2024
A New Camera in Our Future...
In today's episode of the Follow Focus Podcast, Brian and Cameron debate the size of their gear and simultaneously plan a trip to NY.
A Purple Donut Studios Production
www.purpledonutstudios.com
@purpledonutstudios on your social feeds
14 May 2024
It's time we tell you the Secret
In this episode, Cameron and Brian talk about their secret topic and launch of something that is going to blow your mind.
www.purpledonutstudios.com (www.purpledonutstudios.com)
www.instagram.com/purpledonutstudios (www.instagram.com/purpledonutstudios)
www.facebook.com/purpledonutstudios (www.facebook.com/purpledonutstudios)
7 May 2024
Is Fivver your Best Option for Graphic Design?
In today's episode of the Follow Focus Podcast, Cameron and Brian Converse on Brian's transfer to the Dark side, leaving the PC Master Race for Mac. Then the conversation turns sad when Cam and Brian begin talking about how their favorite Netflix shows just get canceled without a trace. Lastly, Brian almost spills the big secret.
30 Apr 2024
AI is Taking over Video Creation... Maybe?
Join in as Cameron and Brian talk about their thoughts on AI in video creation, rigging their cameras to have the ability to shoot in a format for apple vision pro, and the differences between their lives in MD & CA. Thank you for joining us in our fourth installment of the Follow Focus Podcast.
Follow Focus is a co-production of WizerProductions.com and HarrisMakers.com
23 Apr 2024
Professor Cam & Brian's Brain Collide
Join in as Cameron and Brian take listeners into the Classroom where you learn how your use of shutter angle/speed can be written into your personal creative style. Outside of the classroom, Brian learns about Cameron's innate ability to Moo... yes moo. From trying to figure out how Brian's thought processes and brain work to dreaming of the next big piece of camera gear in our arsenal, join us in our third installment of the Follow Focus Podcast.
Follow Focus is a co-production of WizerProductions.com and HarrisMakers.com
16 Apr 2024
Camera History & Wireless Wonders
In this episode of Follow Focus, Cameron and Brian take listeners on a journey through the evolution of their camera gear, reminiscing about the cameras that have shaped their careers, from early experiences with budget-friendly models to the game-changing equipment that elevated their productions. But first, Brian's latest acquisition: a cutting-edge wireless follow focus system by Smallrig. Whether you're a gear enthusiast or simply curious about the tools of the trade, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of technology and creativity in the world of filmmaking.
Follow Focus is a co-production of WizerProductions.com and HarrisMakers.com
9 Apr 2024
Crafting Careers & Content
Join Cameron and Brian as they share their journey from aspiring videographers to successful business owners. In this episode, they explore the impact of perfectionism and anxiety on their work, offering valuable insights for navigating these challenges in the creative industry.
Follow Focus is a co-production of WizerProductions.com and HarrisMakers.com
3 Apr 2024
Introducing Follow Focus
Join two indie filmmaking entrepreneurs on their journey as they share stories, life updates, and upcoming projects. Featuring local filmmakers and small business entrepreneurs, this podcast is a hub for inspiration and networking in the creative community. Tune in for insightful conversations and behind-the-scenes insights!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,538
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
32
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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