Meet Candice Dillard

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Candice Dillard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Candice below.

Candice, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Storytelling has always been a part of my life. As a kid, I would dress up, create characters, and make little videos just for fun. By the time I was in elementary school, I had started a YouTube channel where I vlogged and experimented as a creator. At the same time, I began volunteering in my church’s media ministry. Both experiences sharpened my eye for visuals and gave me early lessons in how to tell stories that connect with people.

Even before that, the camera was always present in my world. My dad recorded me at family events from the time I was a baby, so being in front of the lens felt natural. I still remember being six years old, clutching my little Hello Kitty camcorder , my very first camera. I would set it up at family gatherings, film my own vlogs, and get so excited to see the results. At the time, I didn’t realize it was pointing me toward a future in filmmaking.

In 2020, when COVID hit, I found myself in a season of uncertainty. I wasn’t sure what God had in store for me. That’s when my STEM teacher told me about a statewide competition that had a category in digital video production. I took a chance, entered a film, and ended up placing third. That moment lit a fire in me — it was the first time I thought, maybe this isn’t just a hobby, maybe this is a gift I’m supposed to pursue.

The next year, I went back determined. I prepared differently, brought in a crew, and told a story about friendship that I believed in. That time, I won the state competition and advanced to nationals. Winning wasn’t just about the award, it was confirmation. By then, I had already been accepted to Belmont University, and I knew that filmmaking wasn’t just something I loved it was my calling, and the rest was history!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I tell stories to stir souls. As an innovator for Christ through film, my mission is to wake people up. I don’t create films to make audiences comfortable. I create them to challenge, provoke, and spark conversations that linger long after the credits roll. My stories aim to shift perspectives and, in doing so, inspire real and lasting change.

Recently, I wrapped production on Deadnote, directed and written by my good friend Joseph Machosky, where I served as Director of Photography, shaping the visual heartbeat of the film. Coming in January 2026, I will step into the director’s chair for The Feed, a story I wrote that I can’t wait to bring to life. This project will be my boldest yet, with plans to take it on a festival tour next summer.

I’m also a senior Motion Pictures student at Belmont University, focusing on directing. Beyond academics, I founded the Onyx Creators Club at Curb College — the first of its kind on campus — to build community, amplify diverse voices, and curate screenings that connect students with each other and with community partners. Alongside this, I serve as an upperclassman resident assistant, where I have faithfully served for three years.

For me, storytelling isn’t just about film; it’s about ministry, impact, and creating spaces where people encounter truth in a transformative way.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Skills
– Visionary Leadership
– Dynamic Communication
– Innovative Problem Solving

Qualities
– Adaptability
– Catalyst for Change
– Resilience

Areas of Knowledge
– Graphic Design
– Photography
– Editing

Always remain a lifelong student, hungry to learn, eager to grow, and open to new perspectives. Lead with kindness, because the relationships you build will carry you just as far as your talent. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint; give yourself grace along the way. Don’t take yourself too seriously — no one scrutinizes your art as much as you do. And above all, stay flexible and malleable, allowing your creativity to evolve with you.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The greatest gift my parents have given me, and continue to give – is the freedom to dream without limits, rooted in the foundation of faith they instilled in me. They introduced me to Jesus at an early age and taught me to trust Him with my path. Because of their unwavering belief in both my faith and my future, I never felt the need to shrink my ambitions or silence my aspirations. From dance to filmmaking and everything in between, they have always encouraged me to pursue my creative gifts with courage. I would not be who I am today without their love, their faith, and their constant support.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Candice Dillard

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