The Work That Made Me: Camila Cornelsen
Camila Cornelsen is a true cosmopolitan blend, proudly rooted in Brazil’s vibrant culture. Bringing layers of life into every project, her journey as an engineer, radio host, indie band singer, DJ, photographer, cinematographer, and director reads like a ‘cultural nerdy blender’ with a dash of curiosity and a lot of heart. She carries these influences in her backpack, making her work as vibrant and complex as her global influences.
Her client roster includes major international brands like Nike, Apple, Google, Instagram, and Netflix, alongside collaborations with leading agencies such as JWT, F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy, Wieden+Kennedy, and R/GA.
LBB> The ad/music video from my childhood that stays with me…
Camila> I was a kid in the ’80s, and my parents had some control over what I could watch on TV. So, while I saw plenty of films and cartoons, I didn’t really get hooked on television until I was a teenager. My first real obsession wasn’t even an ad—it was the music video for “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt. I remember seeing it on MTV and just going absolutely crazy for it.
LBB> The ad/music video/game/web platform that made me want to get into the industry…
Camila> Growing up in southern Brazil, becoming a filmmaker wasn’t even on my radar. I was into photography but never thought about moving into motion. That all changed when I had my own band, and we started shooting music videos. Meeting the director—who, funnily enough, is now my husband—made me think, wow, maybe I could actually do this too.
LBB> The creative work that I keep revisiting…
Camila> As someone who has always loved movies, I’m constantly amazed by the groundbreaking work done in the early days of filmmaking. Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey still blows my mind every time I watch it. Even now, as someone who knows the ins and outs of filmmaking, I’m in awe of how they pulled off such incredible visuals and storytelling.
LBB> My first professional project…
Camila> Before directing, I had already worked as a still photographer and DP, but my first professional project as a director was a Nike commercial. I did everything—directing, DP-ing, editing. Convincing the agency and production to shoot on film was a challenge since we didn’t have the facilities to develop it in Brazil. I had to find a way to send the film to the U.S. for processing. I even edited the film myself, spending days at the agency with the creatives. It was a huge learning experience!
LBB> The piece of work that made me so angry that I vowed to never make anything like *that*…
Camila> Shooting is such a tough process, and keeping your vision intact until the end is even tougher. I’m not one to point fingers at someone else’s work. There are just too many great pieces out there to celebrate instead!
LBB> The piece of work that still makes me jealous…
Camila> I’ve always been into collage and mixed media, but in the past, I only worked with still images. When I first saw the music video for Bonobo’s 'Cirrus', I was completely blown away by how it brought the same collage aesthetic to life in motion. It opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities for me.
LBB> The creative project that changed my career…
Camila> During COVID, I shot a global campaign for Adidas. The restrictions were wild—only seven people were allowed on set, including the COVID inspector and talent. Still, we managed to create a film that doesn’t feel stamped by the pandemic at all. Again acting as Director, DP, Photographer we managed to deliver an outstanding project.
LBB> The work that I’m proudest of…
Camila> In 2021, I filmed a campaign in Dubai for Tena. The goal was to change the Arabic term for menopause, which was traditionally translated as “Age of Despair.” The campaign featured women reclaiming the term with phrases like “Age of Creativity” or “Age of Wisdom,” empowering them to define this phase of life on their own terms. Amazingly, the campaign succeeded in changing the dictionary definition. It’s called #DespairNoMore, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.
LBB> I was involved in this and it makes me cringe…
Camila> I’m not really cringed out by projects I’ve been a part of, but… seeing myself in filmed interviews or footage? Yeah, that’s not the most fun thing to watch. Hahaha.
LBB> The recent project I was involved in that excited me the most…
Camila> It’s my husband’s first feature film as a director! I’m the executive producer and DP, so it’s been a really special project for us. The title is Tony Odyssey, and we’re in the editing phase now. I can’t wait to see it come together!
