Headwaters Down was founded by Will Gemma, Justin Black and Dietrich Teschner. They met at the University of Virginia back in 2007 and all went their separate ways after graduation. Will pursued writing in Oakland, CA, Dietrich lived and worked and acted in NYC, Justin released vinyl records and toured the country taking photographs along the way… Thirteen years later, with a wide range of experience under their respective belts, they reunited back in Virginia - for adventure, filmmaking, and business.

The name Headwaters Down comes from the title of the team’s first feature-length film. Which followed them on a 250 mile journey down the James River on canoes. This film won Best VA Made Film at Richmond Int’l Film Festival, Grand Prize in the RVA Environmental Film Contest, and was an Official Selection at the Virginia Film Festival.

Headwaters Down launched the team’s film career as collaborators and has led to an award-winning short film—A Sturgeon Story—and their second feature film, Headwaters Down: Tidal River. They’ve also exhibited their work on PBS’s Chesapeake Bay Week, at Universities and Nature Centers.

The team has worked with the James River Association, the Southern Documentary Fund, the Virginia Association of Museums, and Maryland Public Television.

In their studio office in the Fan District of Richmond, they are able to plan, produce, and create films that tell unique and authentic stories. They work on their films with the support of community grants and partnerships and are also for hire on commission-based work.

The Headwaters Down team is dedicated to creating impactful cinema, fostering community partnerships, and championing the power of visual narratives.