The Story:
In the creative industry, big results don’t always require big budgets. This is the behind-the-scenes story of how Minto Studios produced a cinematic Tesla Cybertruck ad in Singapore with effectively zero budget—by leaning into collaboration, sustainable set design, and meticulous craft. If you’re a filmmaker, producer, photographer, or agency creative, use this as a practical blueprint for resourceful production.
Quick Takeaways: How We Filmed a Zero-Budget Tesla Cybertruck Ad
Borrowed the Cybertruck from Tesla Singapore through a bold but simple ask.
Partnered with Aputure for lighting, manpower and technical guidance.
Co-created a sustainable set design reflecting Singapore’s identity.
Secured in-kind sponsorships (studio, F&B, equipment support) via our network.
Orchestrated a cross-disciplinary crew to deliver a polished film and stills.
Watch: Final Spec Ad & Full Behind-the-Scenes
Final Tesla Cybertruck Spec Ad (filmed in Singapore)
Behind the Scenes: Tesla × Aputure × Minto Studios
📸 Want to see the stills results? View the final results here: Instagram
Behind the Scenes of the Tesla Cybertruck Ad in Singapore
The Tesla Cybertruck is a global icon of design, technology, and sustainability. Filming it in Singapore let us showcase the country’s innovation-forward identity and its vibrant creative community.
Our constraint? No traditional budget. That forced us to double down on planning, partnerships, and purposeful design.
The project was executive produced by Lionel Heng (Minto Studios), with Kelly Yuen and Li Jialing of @aputureasia as co-executive producers.
How the Zero-Budget Tesla Cybertruck Ad Began
- The Spark: A lunch with Aputure (and a demo of the new INFINIMAT) planted the seed.
- The Idea: Pair the Cybertruck with cutting-edge lighting to create a futuristic aesthetic.
- The Ask: We simply asked Tesla Singapore to loan the Cybertruck—and they said yes.
Creative Collaboration: Building the Tesla Cybertruck Ad Team
The set design was co-created, not led by a single person.
Dylan Wong (@lyxstudiosg) – Still Photographer, who developed the initial visual concept.
Celine Ng (@fractionsg) – Set Designer, specializing in sustainable design.
Amy Tan (@amyt.fleur) – Floral Designer, known for eco-conscious artistry.
Vance Boo (@vansderp) – Director / DoP, leading the cinematic vision.
Together, Dylan’s concept was brought to life by Celine and Amy through sustainable set and floral design. Aputure provided lighting and technical expertise, while Shooting Gallery Asia supplied studio space and support.
Zero-Budget Filmmaking: Overcoming Creative Constraints
1) Location & Legal Reality
The Cybertruck is left-hand drive, so driving shots in Singapore weren’t possible. The solution: shoot in a large studio and simulate motion through lighting and camera moves.
2) Sustainable Set Design
Inspired by Gardens by the Bay and Singapore’s skyline, the set used reflective textures and eco-friendly materials to balance technology with sustainability.
3) Network-Powered Resources
- Gourmetz sponsored meals for the crew.
- Aputure supported with lighting gear and manpower.
- Friends and collaborators volunteered time and skills.
Tesla Cybertruck Ad Production Process
Pre-Production
- Concept boards and references aligned the team.
- Schedules and logistics were coordinated around Cybertruck availability.
On-Set Collaboration
- Rigging and prep built strong inter-department chemistry.
- Programmed lighting and camera moves simulated motion.
- Set and floral teams worked hand-in-hand for cohesion.
Post-Production
- Editing by Chong Ya Hui shaped the narrative with dystopian-inspired sound design.
- Color grading by Mark Song (@marksonggrades) delivered the final cinematic look.
- Direction by Vance Boo ensured creative consistency throughout.
Key Lessons from Zero-Budget Tesla Ad Production
- Collaboration wins – diverse talents create stronger outcomes.
- Ask boldly – opportunities open when you reach out.
- Constraints drive innovation – limits sharpen creativity.
- Pre-production is everything – plan hard so you can execute smoothly.
- Relationships compound – your network is a creative force multiplier.
Inspiration for Filmmakers & Creatives in Singapore
This project is proof that bold ideas, handled with care, attract collaborators.
If you’re developing an ambitious concept and need a Singapore video production studio, Minto Studios is ready to collaborate.
Conclusion – Invest in the Creative Journey: Not every project will have a big budget, but every project can teach you something invaluable. What will you learn—and create—next?
Full Credits & Special Thanks
Executive Producers – Lionel Heng @lionel_, Kelly Yuen @yuenmxk , Li Jialing @jiassa
Producer – Quek Ziying @ruggyzed
Photographer – Dylan Wong @lyxstudiosg
Director / DoP – Vance Boo @vansderp
1st Assistant Director – Muhammad Syafi’ie
1st Camera Assistant – Hafiz Chan @hafichan
2nd Camera Assistant – Maisurah @mainlymaiz
Ronin Tech – Ahmad Rifa’ie @ryphaee
Key Grip – Rahman Woodi @fhrahman
Key Grip Assistant – Danial Hannan @danialh.rashid
Gaffer – Aylwin Ho @aylwin_h_h_h
@silentbickerbucker
Lighting Console Programmer – Niki Muliade @nikimuliade
Grips – Claralyn Chew @chewychewyou, Ong Soon Lai @lailaiong, Leon Sia Rui Shen, Low Jia’Er @___jiaer, Hafiz Kalam @captain_206
Junior Grips – Karen Lee Kah Yee @klkyx, Didi & Adi
Set Design – Celine Ng @celinenml, Lwee Jia Ming @mii.ngg, Chong Jia Min
Floral Design – Amy Tan @amyt.fleur
@heartwork_co, Sim Ann Chee, Crystal Yeap @slowlivecreate, Fen, Mdm Cheong Kam Yoke
Art Assistants – Parveen Kaur, Chloe Mok, Lovell Tan, Lydia Ng
Editor – Chong Ya Hui @yasdfghui
Colorist – Mark Song @marksonggrades
Graphic Design – Winnie Wu @winniekaleido
Social Media – Leslie Koh @leslie.koh
Behind the Scenes – Kishin Ananta Nur @kan.nect, Andréa Moulin @andrea.mln
Car Partner - Tesla Singapore @teslamotorsg
Studio, Camera & Grip Equipment - Shooting Gallery Asia @shootinggalleryasia @studiosatt5
Lighting Partner - Aputure Asia @aputure.lighting
Catering - Gourmetz Singapore @gourmetzsg
Special Thanks: Vernon Lim @thatsvernon, Kazuki Lim @zuki_boy, David Chan @davidcchan, Sebastian Tan @sebtan1