Yankee Candle

Overview

This campaign explored how AI-generated environments and virtual production workflows could replace a traditionally travel-heavy production approach while maintaining a premium visual aesthetic.

By combining generative AI tools, Unreal Engine environments, stock elements, and in-camera virtual production techniques, we were able to rapidly iterate on creative concepts, reduce production overhead, and deliver multiple campaign outputs within a compressed timeline.

My Role

• Led end-to-end production from concept through final delivery

• Partnered with Zeno Group’s creative team to adapt the original concept into a Virtual Production approach

• Designed and implemented Virtual Production workflows to replace traditional location shooting

• Managed budget, schedule, and internal production teams

• Oversaw post-production and final delivery across all campaign assets

Workflow & Production Approach

• Used Midjourney and Photoshop to develop and refine environmental concepts during creative development

• Generated panoramic environment assets and integrated them into a virtual production workflow using Skybox AI and Unreal Engine

• Replaced traditional location travel with scalable LED/virtual production environments

• Rapidly iterated on multiple visual directions during pre-production

• Built a flexible workflow capable of supporting multiple campaign concepts and outputs within a short turnaround

Key Challenges / Solutions

Reimagining a High-Cost Concept

• Original concept required multi-location travel and motion-control setups that were not possible on the available budget

• Developed an AI-assisted Virtual Production solution that replicated the intended visuals within a controlled environment

Tight Timeline

• Delivered three distinct creative concepts within a two-week turnaround from initial brief

• Built a streamlined production and post workflow to support rapid execution

Maximizing Production Value on a Limited Budget

• Achieved high-end visual results within a $50K budget

• Balanced creative ambition with practical execution through efficient planning and in-house production

Output

• 3 campaign concepts

• Multiple deliverables per concept

• Digital and social distribution