Candice Vernon: Bringing Authentic Humor and Storytelling to Eleanor’s Roster

Whether directing premium comedies or impactful documentaries, Candice Vernon is a true storyteller, able to ground her work’s witty humor or impactful message in compelling authenticity. 

A former agency producer turned director, Candice Vernon’s creative career followed an unconventional path. Vernon’s background as a producer gives her a unique fluency in the agency world's distinct creative language. 

“Being a former Agency Producer, I know the language, I understand where the creatives are coming from, I understand the nuances of what it takes to get to the point when the board comes to me,” said Candice.  

Though Candice excelled within the agency side of the film world, the storytelling role of a director had always been her calling and passion. 

That deep understanding of people that fortifies her leadership and gift for collaboration fosters brilliant filmmaking. 

“Commercials are where art meets commerce, but I have integrity in all of my craft. I have to be able to stand behind what I’m making and the purpose of what I’m making,” Candice explains. “Making people smile and laugh is important to me. Uplifting films infused with comedy and films that take a stand are important to me.”

A dual focus in the comedy and documentary realm might seem like an unusual combination, but Candice’s ability to ground a film in a profound humanity strengthens her voice for both humor and advocacy. 

Within her comedies, she is able to capture and amplify the humor in small, human moments. 

Candice ties her unique sense of humor to her Jamaican heritage and upbringing. “I think my process for working on comedy stems from my upbringing and being from Jamaica,” says Candice. “As a people, we find humor in almost every situation, especially dramatic or dark situations.” 

Her recent campaign for Versalie is a gleaming example of Candice’s gift for capturing the all too relatable with comedic flair. Digestive dilemmas, misplaced frustration, brain fog–Nicey Nash’s hilarious soliloquy tackless the complex and often unspoken realities of menopause with playful humor. 

“It was such a great overall experience directing that campaign and working with Niecy as an actress,” said Candice. “She gives so much. I also had a lot of creative freedom and so much trust both from the agency and Niecy's team. I felt really supported from every angle and was able to focus purely on the creative and collaborating with Niecy.”

This year, Candice made history as the first Black director to direct a Febreze commercial. 

Watching the “Small Spaces” campaign you’ll notice the films are a major departure from Febreze’s typical blue-and-white world. The home of “Revolving Door” is a beautiful array of bold sunset hues, African prints, and African art. 

“I asked myself, what feels right to me? What feels new?” said Candice. “I wanted to bring an essence of not just Black Americans but the full diaspora. I wanted to make a statement that we’re not a monolith.” 

This campaign speaks to the power of intersectional representation behind the camera. For the first time, Black Americans got to see themselves represented in the creation and on-screen talent of a Febreze campaign. 

Following glowing success of the Small Spaces campaign, Febreze brought Candice back for a comedy-infused trifecta exploring the hilarious situations that call for an air freshening hero. 

Using her filmmaking voice to speak out against social injustice, Candice’s documentaries and dramatic works inspire a passion for change in her audiences. 

From her short film “The Dream Still Lives,” to her feature documentary “Two Trials,” Candice’s acclaimed portfolio includes groundbreaking, impactful work that raises a resounding voice for social change.

“Art is my chosen form of using my voice for advocacy,” says Candice. “I like to use my gifts to create conversations and create an impact that’s going to jumpstart and ignite change.”

In both the documentary and comedy realm, Candice has worked with some astounding celebrity talents—Sterling K. Brown, Regina King, Neicy Nash-Betts, Yara Shahidi, Jenny Slate, the Obamas, Paul McCartney. 

Her talent for working with people elicits the best performances from every actor she directs, from household names to the unknown. 

To understand the depth and authenticity Candice brings to every frame, you have to know the passion she brings to building out each and every character. Giving every character a full backstory, from their star sign to their taste in music, Candice is able to work closely with actors to elicit well rounded performances. 

“I want to make the characters real people. I want actors to be able to own their character and not just be a type or a look.” says Candice. 

A world-traveler, a community builder, a comedy club regular–Candice Vernon is a true cultural polymath. The depth of her storytelling flowers from the considerate perspective she brings to every experience, “Life inspires me. I think experiencing life with an openness is what really inspires me.”

There aren’t many Black, female comedy directors. Breaking into a space dominated by a homogenous ‘old guard’ is no simple feat. Unafraid to shatter a glass ceiling or two along her cinematic journey, Candice takes pride in paving the way for the next generation of Black female directors in comedy. 

“I grew up with the odds stacked against me, says Candice. “I had to work my way up. I want young women to know they can make a living doing exactly what they dreamt up in their heads because they saw another woman do it. I want to be an example of what’s possible.”

A champion of powerful voices in film and a resonant cinematic badass, ELEANOR and Candice make an incredible duo. 

"Advertising is the perfect blend of art and commerce, and Eleanor embodies that balance in a way that really excites me," says Candice. "I’m thrilled to work with Sophie, who has built something remarkable in such a short time. I look forward to doing truly standout work together.”