In the world of video production, Purple Donut Studios is carving out a distinct niche. Founded by Brian Munday Jr. and Cameron Harris, two Frederick-based creatives who first connected at a Chamber of Commerce event, the studio was born from a shared love of cinematic storytelling and top-tier camera gear. Their early collaborations—both shooting on Blackmagic cameras, a favorite in the film world—quickly evolved into something much more.
With a shared vision of bringing high-end, cinematic production to local businesses, Brian pitched the idea of launching a company together. Cameron was immediately on board. The name, Purple Donut Studios, is as unique as the team behind it. “We wanted something fun and memorable,” says Cameron. “Something that didn’t take itself too seriously but still stood out.” After some lighthearted brainstorming (sparked by a suggestion from Cameron’s wife), they landed on a name that balances creativity with approachability—and did a little SEO research to make sure it would stick.
Cameron’s interest in video production began in middle school, when he bought his first professional camera at just 13. He later spent nearly a decade as a producer at Discovery (now Warner Bros. Discovery), working on everything from viral social clips to full-length broadcast series. Brian’s journey began with photography and wedding videography—capturing emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moments with an eye for detail. Their strengths complement one another: Brian brings an endless flow of creative ideas, while Cameron helps structure those ideas into polished, impactful productions.
At the core of Purple Donut’s philosophy is a deep respect for storytelling. “We always consider both what the client wants to share and what the audience wants to hear,” Cameron explains. Many of their concepts are inspired by bold, emotionally resonant commercials—think Super Bowl ads designed to be talked about the next day. “Sometimes the idea that feels a little out there ends up being the one that works,” Brian adds. “It’s easier to scale back a big idea than to try and build up a small one.”
A recent project for Straight Shot, a local gym, showcased this approach. What began as a standard testimonial evolved into something much more personal when a member shared her experience training while pregnant with twins—up through her 36th week. The final video became a moving, authentic story about resilience and personalized care, turning a typical gym promotion into something far more memorable.
For Purple Donut Studios, bringing high-caliber production to small businesses is both a mission and a point of pride. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing with style,” Cameron says. With professional gear and experience working with institutions like the Smithsonian, they apply the same tools and techniques used in large-scale productions to every project—regardless of budget. “Just because it’s a smaller business doesn’t mean the story can’t look like it belongs on the big screen.”
That commitment to quality extends through every stage of the process. Clients are invited into the creative process early, helping shape the concept. From there, Purple Donut manages everything from planning to post-production. “Once the idea is in place, we handle the rest,” they explain. “The client simply gets to watch it come to life—and provide feedback along the way.”
So what gives their videos such a cinematic feel? Much of it comes down to the technology and techniques. While 4K is considered high-definition, Purple Donut shoots in 12K, offering maximum flexibility and clarity in editing. They also use cinema-grade lenses, which create the kind of depth and detail typically reserved for feature films. Professional editing, color grading and sound mixing round out every production.
As for favorite projects? “It’s always changing,” Brian says. One recent highlight was an ongoing collaboration with Pease Baseball Professionals. The team captured stunning slow-motion footage—up to 240 frames per second—of players at bat, paired with powerful testimonials. “Watching a baseball get hit in super slow motion is something else,” Brian adds.
In a digital-first world, video has become one of the most effective tools for branding and communication. “A short video can say more—and leave a stronger impression—than a long block of text,” Cameron says. A recent ad they produced for Straight Shot ran both in local movie theaters and on social media, generating more leads with a smaller budget than the client’s previous campaigns. “They saw better results with less spend,” Brian notes.
The numbers support that impact: video content is shared 1,200% more often than text and images combined, and can boost click-through rates by up to 96%. “That’s why video isn’t just a creative asset—it’s a strategic one,” Brian adds.
Purple Donut also stays nimble with trends. With the rise of short-form, vertical content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they now deliver multiple versions of a single shoot to suit different formats. “Some see it as extra work,” Cameron says. “We see it as a smart way to stretch the value of each project.”
While they work with clients throughout the region, Frederick holds special meaning for the team. Brian grew up in nearby Middletown and Cameron has called Frederick home for nearly 15 years since moving from San Francisco. “It’s a place where you can build strong relationships and feel connected to the community,” Cameron says. “Big enough for opportunity, but small enough to know the people you’re working with.”
And if you’re wondering what the future holds: yes, a full-length scripted film is on their dream list. One they plan to write, cast, shoot—and premiere right here in Frederick.
PurpleDonutStudios.com
“Just because it’s a smaller business doesn’t mean the story can’t look like it belongs on the big screen.”