Joshua Swift
Creative & Brand Story Strategist | Filmmaker | Communications
Phone:
+1 (313) 720-8442
Email:
LinkedIn:
PROFILE
Clear communication starts before the camera turns on.
I help organizations define what they want people to understand, who they are trying to reach, and how that should guide the story and creative direction.
That work grew from 10+ years in cinematography, editing, and commercial/documentary filmmaking. Working with brands through production and post showed me the difference between teams that came in with a clear, focused message and teams still trying to figure out what they were saying after the cameras were rolling. Seeing that play out again and again led me upstream into brand, audience, messaging, and communication strategy, where I now help shape the thinking before the creative work begins.
EXPERIENCE
2025–Present
ProMETA
2022–2025
LakeFX Media
2020–2022
Dropdrop
2014–Present
Freelance /
Joshua Swift LLC
Brand & Communications Strategist
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Lead brand, marketing, and communications strategy using audience research, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and leadership workshops to clarify positioning, messaging, and target audiences.
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Translate long-term organizational vision into practical messaging, website, content, and communication strategies designed to improve clarity and consistency across the organization.
Director of Photography | Editor
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Led cinematography and editing for commercial, nonprofit, medical, and documentary productions across the U.S. and internationally, with creative direction and directing responsibilities on select projects.
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Led visual execution on lean, fast-moving productions, overseeing lighting, camera, interviews, and multi-camera consistency while collaborating closely with clients and crews.
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Shaped short- and long-form interview-driven content from extensive footage, developing deep experience in interview direction, story discovery, narrative structure, and pacing.
Cinematographer | Assistant Editor
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Supported a range of commercial and creative productions, building strong foundations in cinematography, lighting, camera operation, and on-set problem-solving.
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Developed proficiency in DaVinci Resolve and professional post-production workflows while supporting editing across a variety of projects.
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Helped build and organize the studio’s camera and lighting gear room, developing practical systems for equipment management.
Cinematographer | Filmmaker
Freelancing since 2014; operating under Joshua Swift LLC since 2018
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Partner with production companies, agencies, and brands on commercial, documentary, interview-driven, and event productions.
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Provide cinematography, lighting, visual direction, and production support, working independently and alongside established production teams.
EXPERIENCE
CORE CAPABILITIES
Strategy & Creative Direction
Brand Clarity - Audience Research - Messaging - Positioning - Creative Development - Story Strategy - Content Strategy - Communication Strategy
Storytelling & Direction
Narrative Development - Documentary Storytelling - Interview Development - Interview Direction - Story Discovery - Visual Direction
Production
Cinematography - Lighting Design - Camera & Lens Selection - Studio & Location Production - Multi-Camera Production - FAA Part 107
Post-Production
12+ Years Editing - Premiere Pro - DaVinci Resolve - Final Cut Pro - Story Structure - Pacing - Editorial Storytelling - Color Workflow
EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE
CORE CAPABILITIES
2018 — Braincell Camera — Intern
Camera - Gear rental - Production support
2017 — New City Kids — Media Intern
Media - Marketing - Content creation
2017 — Freelance — Production Assistant | Assistant Camera
Commercial productions
EDUCATION
EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Fine Arts — Film / Media Production, Honors
Compass College of Cinematic Arts - Grand Rapids, MI - 2015–2018
Excited to connect!
