Table of Contents
Watch the video: “How to create an Awesome Product Video on a Budget” by Dunlop Films
If you can make popcorn feel epic, you can make any product shine. This behind-the-scenes breakdown distills Dunlop Films’ playful Boom Chicka Pop tutorial into a step-by-step game plan you can adapt to your next tabletop shoot.
What you’ll learn
- How to capture a single kernel popping in slow motion with a clean, even background.
- How to build a “master” bag lineup that looks cinematic with minimal lights.
- How to stage and stitch playful bag interactions—rotations, throws, and pours—into one dynamic sequence.
- How to build a DIY rotating drum using water jugs and a power drill.
- How to keep your workflow lean when you’re a crew of one or two.
Introduction to Budget Product Videography A non-liquid hero, bold colors, and a lot of cleverness—that’s the heart of Dunlop Films’ popcorn project. The goal isn’t expensive gear; it’s crafting intentional moments that cut together into a punchy product story.
The creator repeatedly emphasizes a constant, efficient lighting base and only changes what’s happening in front of the camera. That’s how you move fast without sacrificing polish. If you’ve ever wrestled with tool clutter on set, think of your rig like a tidy studio “frame”: place what you need, remove what you don’t, and treat the background as a canvas rather than an afterthought. embroidery frame
Pro tip Lock in a single lighting recipe you can keep for multiple shots. In this project, the overhead Lantern and side Light Dome combination carries most of the load across scenes.
The Dream Shot: Popping Popcorn in Slow Motion It started as a dream note: a kernel hanging in space that pops right on camera. The build is delightfully scrappy—wire, a stick, and tape for a stable perch; a pink background that nods to the brand color; and a lantern-style top light to wash the background and subject together.
Rigging a Single Kernel for the Camera The kernel is placed on a thin wire (the creator describes it as a “pokey thing”), taped to a stick, and secured so it won’t wobble when heat is applied. Then it’s dipped in a touch of oil and positioned against the pink backdrop.
From the comments: viewers asked how to attach the kernel. The creator replied that they heat a needle and insert it into a soft spot of the kernel—simple, controlled, and repeatable.
Lighting for Drama: Lantern and i-Cans With limited fixtures, the Aputure 300D II with a Lantern attachment is the MVP, doing double duty as overhead and background light for an even, shadow-free field. Two i-Cans add fill, and a low back light adds a subtle rim to the kernel.
Quick check
- Background looks smooth and evenly lit.
- Kernel is locked in position and in focus.
- The wire is visible in-camera now, but that’s okay—plan to remove it in post.
Camera Settings for Hyperspeed Action The popcorn pop is captured on a Blackmagic Ursa Pro G2 fitted with a 100mm Canon macro at 4K, 120 fps. That combination yields crisp detail and smooth slow motion.
Action: Use a heat gun to apply steady, circular heat to the oil-dabbed kernel until it pops. One commenter struggling to get a pop shared that being too close scorches and too far does nothing; the creator’s advice was “slow circles, medium distance—it just takes time and multiple tries.”
From the comments
- How do you remove the wire in post? The creator says they use simple wire removal in After Effects—clean and efficient for this type of macro shot.
Watch out The kernel can fall off during heating. Re-secure your wire or stiffen the rig and try again. Keep flammables off the heat path.
Mastering the Product Lineup: The Cinematic Bag Shot Once the hero pop is in the can, the team builds a master shot featuring the full family of bags, a spill of loose popcorn, and simple camera moves: push-ins and pull-outs. The pink background stays; the lighting remains consistent so the cut flows.
Arrangement and Composition for Impact Arrange each flavor bag so labels read well and heights vary slightly for depth. A light scatter of kernels in the foreground adds texture. Lock your camera to a tripod or slider for movement that feels confident rather than jittery.
Soft Lighting for Beautiful Product Detail The top Lantern keeps the background clean; the Aputure 300D II with the Light Dome II creates a soft side key for dimension and gentle shadows. The i-Cans fill dark spots so the bags don’t look flat on the pink.
Quick check
- No harsh speculars or glare across glossy bags.
- Shadows fall consistently from shot to shot so the montage feels cohesive.
- Nothing in the background competes with the product.
From the comments Shooting outdoors? The creator suggests using large diffusion because natural light changes quickly. On overcast days, big diffusers help even out shifting skylight.
Pro tip Lock white balance and exposure so your slider moves cut seamlessly. Keep your lighting map identical across retakes to reduce grading work later.
Creative Bag Interactions: Rotation and Pouring These are the playful bits that make the edit sparkle. One setup rotates a bag manually on a stick while someone throws popcorn against the pink. Shoot elements separately to combine them later in post.
Manual Bag Rotation for Visual Flair Mount a single bag on a stick, rotate it smoothly back and forth. Capture several passes so you can pick the most even rotation in the edit. Frame against the same pink for continuity. If you’re used to modular grips and fixtures, this approach is like moving from rigid clamps to a high-hold system—choose the simplest tool that gets you a smooth result. mighty hoop
The Probe Lens Experience: Diving into the Bag A standout sequence opens the bag, slides the camera “into” the opening, then transitions to a pour shot using a probe lens. The operator mounts the camera on a slider attached to their body for a steady, repeatable move, pulling focus as they go. Then, with a Laowa probe lens, they capture popcorn pouring into a bowl—lights pulled close because the probe needs a lot of illumination.
Quick check
- Movement is smooth; focus transitions are consistent.
- Keep lighting beefy for the probe—bring fixtures close and cluster them where needed.
Seamless Transitions: Stitching Shots in Post The “into the bag, out of the bag” trick works because the two takes are matched in camera path and timing. In the edit, align motion vectors and cut right as lines converge. If you rely on accessories to speed you up, think of this like snapping a modular frame into a repeatable position—you’re building continuity with intent. snap hoop monster
Watch out Shallow focus and moving subjects are a tough combo. Pull focus marks and rehearse the timing.
Ingenious DIY: The Rotating Water Jug Rig How do you get a dramatic rolling reveal without a fancy motion-control system? Two large water jugs, a bolt, and a power drill. It’s resourceful, cheap, and it works.
Building a Budget-Friendly Rotating Platform
- Remove jug handles and cover the openings with clear plastic so nothing snags.
- Drill a hole and install a bolt through one jug; attach the drill to spin it.
- Use boxes and cloth to cradle and stabilize the jugs so they don’t wobble.
- Load a modest amount of popcorn inside, then spin the assembly while filming with the probe lens.
From the comments “What spins the bottle?” A viewer asked at 7:32. Answer: the drill turns the jug via the bolt. Simple and controllable.
Quick check
- The jugs rotate smoothly and don’t walk off your supports.
- The probe lens has a clear line of sight.
- Exposure favors fast-moving detail.
Pro tip Keep your camera on a slider to add a gentle push in/out while the jugs spin. The parallax gives the shot a premium feel without expensive robotics.
Troubleshooting: Popcorn Tumble and Heat
- Popcorn sticking to the sides: ensure the jugs are clean and dry.
- Not enough tumble: adjust the amount of popcorn; too much can dampen motion.
- Kernel won’t pop: the creator’s method is steady heat, circular movement, and patience. Medium distance with a heat gun, plus oil on the kernel, proved reliable.
From the comments
- Background wrinkles and extensions: the video doesn’t detail this; however, the consistent Lantern wash helps minimize visible seams in-camera. The creator later removes support wires in post—background cleanup techniques aren’t specified beyond that.
Workflow Notes for Small Crews This entire shoot was done by two people. When a shot required both hands, they couldn’t film extra behind-the-scenes angles—and they’re transparent about that. The key is batching: get your detailed product and master shots before you open and “destroy” bags for effects.
Editing and VFX: What’s Confirmed
- Wire/stick removal: “simple wire removal in After Effects.”
- A longer editing/VFX breakdown exists as a follow-up tutorial from the creator, but the precise methods beyond wire cleanup aren’t described in this video.
Gear and Settings Recap (as stated)
- Camera: Blackmagic Ursa Pro G2.
- Lenses: Canon 100mm macro; 50mm; Laowa probe lens.
- Frame rate/resolution for the pop: 4K, 120 fps.
- Lights: Aputure 300D II with Lantern (overhead/background), Aputure 300D II with Light Dome II (side key), i-Cans (fill). Natural window light appears on one side in the macro pop setup.
From the comments Budget lighting alternatives come up often. While this video uses pro fixtures, the technique—broad overhead, soft side key, fill on the darks—is transferable to lower-cost lights if you can diffuse and position them well. If you’re used to modular systems in other crafts, you’ll recognize the value of a stable base and controlled add-ons for repeatability. magnetic embroidery frames
A Note on Background Choices The pink background ties directly to the brand palette. Keep your background consistent so your edit feels like one story. If you need to span wider than your paper, match lighting precisely and minimize seams in-camera to reduce cleanup later.
From the comments “Can I shoot this on a phone?” The video doesn’t specify phone workflows, but the camera moves (slider push, tripod pans), lighting plan (top plus soft side), and element plates (bag rotate, popcorn throw) are all phone-friendly with careful exposure and focus.
Safety and Practicality
- Keep the heat gun’s path clear of flammables and never leave it unattended.
- Secure DIY rigs with sandbags or weighted boxes.
- Don’t overfill the rotating jugs; balance reduces wobble.
Creative Takeaways You Can Reuse
- Shoot elements as plates: rotation, throw, pour, macro pop. Composite later.
- Keep lighting fixed from scene to scene; change what’s in front of the lens.
- Let movement earn its keep: a single confident push/pull beats a shaky handheld.
From the comments Outdoors curiosity comes up a lot. Even on cloudy days, a big diffuser keeps faces of the product consistent as the sky brightens and dims. Consider a large fabric scrim or similar surface. magnetic embroidery hoop
Budget Mindset vs. Budget Myths Some commenters equate “budget” with “no lights.” The video shows that budget is about resourcefulness: using one Lantern to light both background and subject, reusing the same lighting for most scenes, and substituting robotics with a drill and jugs. That spirit—more design, less hardware—is the real savings. If you love modular tool systems, consider how a small kit can do many jobs when you configure it with intention. hoop master
Checklist Before You Roll
- Background paper taped and clean.
- Lights placed: Lantern top, Light Dome side, fill as needed.
- Camera and lens cleaned; microfibre handy.
- Props organized: multiple bags, loose popcorn, stick/wire rig.
- DIY rig stabilized; drill battery charged; probe lens ready.
Where This Leaves You With a few clever rigs and a stable light plan, you can tell a colorful, kinetic story—whether it’s popcorn, cosmetics, or coffee beans. The techniques here are transportable: macro moments for intrigue, master shot for context, tactile movement for energy, and a DIY effect that punches way above its cost.
From the comments Viewers loved the pop and the rotating drum. The most common “how did you…” answers are simple: After Effects for wire removal, a bolt and drill for the rotation, and lots of light for the probe shot. magnetic embroidery hoops
Conclusion: Unlock Your Creative Potential Build your base once, then play. That’s the Dunlop Films approach in a nutshell: set an even stage, capture a wild hero moment, and layer personality with small, controlled stunts. Whether you’re a crew of one or two, a little planning and a pink backdrop can go a very long way. embroidery machine for beginners
From the comments People asked for coffee, apparel, and more. The creator notes an editing deep dive exists in separate tutorials. If you’re inspired, storyboard your own product and adapt these moves—pop something, rotate something, pour something—then let the cut tie it all together. magnetic hoop