Behind the Scenes:
Crafting the Cinema Lens Candle
We love candles...So we made one.
At Film Pin Society, we love candles—so much that we decided to make our own. But it wasn't just about slapping a scent together. Creating a candle that truly resonated with our brand took time, research, and plenty of R&D to get it just right.
Our goal was clear: to design a candle that’s not only visually striking but also offers a rich, woodsy scent that evokes a sense of calm. From the type of wax to the design of the vessel, every detail was meticulously chosen to create an object that would be proudly displayed when lit or even when finished.
The challenge was to capture the precision and functionality of a real cinema lens, down to the focus rings and markings.
But like everything...it all starts with a sketch of an idea!
Design Challenges: Creating the Vessel
One of the biggest challenges we faced was perfecting the design of the candle vessel. We went through multiple iterations, trying out various printing methods like screen printing and stickers, but nothing felt quite right. Finally, we landed on a 3D-style print directly onto the vessel—a process that’s not commonly used in candle making, especially with a design that wraps around the entire jar. But, being the sticklers for detail and quality that we are, we knew cutting corners wasn’t an option.
After finalizing the jar design, our focus shifted to the packaging—specifically, the box and the candle cover. While some candles don’t come with lids, we felt the lid was essential, acting as a "lens cap" to protect the scent while also completing the overall aesthetic. We chose a zinc alloy cover with traditional screen printing, which truly brought the entire design together.
We also designed the jar with its post-candle life in mind. Once the wax is fully burned, it makes a great desk accessory or home decor piece, extending its usefulness beyond just a candle. In fact, we have one on our desk that holds pens and other accessories!
"People often joke and ask, 'Does it smell like being on set?'Well, thankfully, no."
Crafting the Perfect Scent
Design is important, but let’s face it: the scent is everything. We teamed up with a local candle maker here in Brooklyn, NY, and worked closely to develop the kind of fragrance we envisioned—a scent that’s smokey, cozy, and relaxing, with a touch of woody undertones.
People often joke and ask, "Does it smell like being on set?" Well, thankfully, no. We’ve all been there, and trust us, that’s not what you want in your home! Instead, we focused on notes that evoke a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect while working, unwinding or to get those creative juices flowing.
Prototype 1
Firewood, Rose Petals, White Birch
Prototype 2
Firewood, Kumquat, Sandalwood
Prototype 3
Firewood, Sandalwood, Sage
(WINNER)
The final scent hit all the right marks, with sandalwood and firewood providing the perfect grounding and calm we were after.
A Thoughtful Blend of Wax and Materials
Equally important was the type of wax. We opted for 100% vegan soy wax, which is made from soybean oil and first gained popularity in the 1990s. It’s a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to paraffin wax, which is a by-product of crude oil refinement. Soy wax also holds fragrance better, offering a balanced "hot throw" (the scent while burning) and "cold throw" (the scent when unlit).
Our candle is designed with both quality and sustainability in mind, ensuring that every detail—down to the wax and fragrance oils (which are phthalate-free)—aligns with providing high-quality products both visually and aromatically.
The Cinema Lens Candle is not just a product—it’s a nod to the craftsmanship behind the lens and a celebration of the creativity that drives the filmmaking process.
We hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us!
