We are Rising Tide Creative.

A film and video production company based in Western Washington state that specializes in long- and short-form storytelling for theatrical, broadcast, websites, social media and streaming platforms. With more than five decades of combined experience, Rising Tide Creative LLC delivers compelling stories of all types that seek to inform, heighten awareness, elevate social justice, all while conveying significance, impact and insight.

Our Team

  • Emilie Firn, MA - Senior Producer and Co-Founder

    Emilie’s experience ranges from documentary shorts to features, TV doc series and VR documentary, as well as research, story development, creating pitch decks, talent booking, logistics, talent and set management, clearance and more. Emilie specializes in researching and creating dynamic stories and working in the field to bring those stories to life. Projects on which Emilie has worked have appeared on the National Geographic Channel, PBS, Netflix and elsewhere.

    Emilie’s Personal Site: https://emfirno.com

  • Joshua Wiersma, Director of Photography/Editor and Co-Founder

    Joshua Wiersma is an award-winning videographer, photographer and editor who has honed his skills in corporate, educational, and documentary storytelling through his work with numerous creative agencies and clients that include Pacific Lutheran University, American Structures & Design, and M Agency, among others. Productions featuring Joshua’s work have also appeared on PBS.

    Joshua’s Personal Site: https://joshuawiersma.com

  • Robert Marshall Wells, MBA, Ph.D., Executive Producer and Co-Founder

    A media and communications veteran, Robert’s extensive professional experiences include work in print, broadcast and online journalism, film and video production, marketing and strategic communications, media management, and higher education. Projects under Robert’s supervision have received and been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, four National Broadcasting Society Awards, multiple North American film festival selections and a host of other accolades and recognitions.

    Robert’s Personal Site: https://robertmarshallwells.com

  • Kelsey Horne, MA - Creative Strategy Director

    Kelsey holds a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Washington with a focus on Community and Social Change. For nearly two decades, Kelsey has served in a series of increasingly responsible positions at Puget Sound Region non-profit organizations and social service agencies, performing duties centered on communications, public relations, advocacy and community engagement. Kelsey’s expertise lies in building relationships and identifying and telling human-centered stories that contribute to increased understanding and community well-being.