Joel Hersch

I’m a creative director and documentary storyteller focused on helping organizations craft narratives that inpsire audiences and build trust.

My career began in newsrooms, where I learned how to research complex subjects, interview diverse voices, and uncover the narratives that help people understand the world around them. As a reporter and magazine writer, I covered subjects ranging from coastal environmental issues and new technology to education and scientific research.

Over time, I became increasingly interested in visual storytelling and co-founded Swan Dive Media, a creative production studio dedicated to documentary filmmaking, branded content, and strategic storytelling.

Today, I partner with nonprofits, environmental organizations, research institutions, public agencies, and purpose-driven brands to create films, photography, and editorial content that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

My work has included documenting climate resilience projects, producing brand films for national companies, creating educational media around environmental science, and helping organizations communicate complex ideas through engaging visual narratives.

Whether developing a documentary, directing a photo campaign, or crafting a long-term content strategy, my approach remains rooted in the same principle that guided my journalism career:

Find the story people care about, and tell it well.

Outside of media production, I'm a lifelong sailor and U.S. Coast Guard-certified 100-ton captain. The teamwork, preparation, and adaptability required at sea continue to shape how I lead creative projects today.