About

Marine biologist and underwater filmmaker. Two careers, one direction.

Telling the stories the ocean needs told.

Sam Bard in a drysuit holding his underwater camera rig, Malta
Sam in the field

I found underwater filmmaking in the Philippines in 2018, at a dive centre in El Nido. Two years in the water every day will do something to your sense of what matters.

I went back to study. An MSc in Marine Biology at University College Cork, first class. Enough science to understand what I was looking at, and enough time in the field to know I wanted to film it.

Since 2023 I have worked offshore as a marine mammal observer, progressing to lead roles on survey vessels across the North Sea and Bay of Biscay. In 2024 I helped found Heal the Blu, a marine conservation NGO based in Malta, where I serve as Secretary. The work spans loggerhead turtle research, eDNA monitoring, and bottlenose dolphin photo-identification surveys.

What I am building is a filmmaking practice rooted in the ocean, focused on the subjects that get the least attention and need it most.

The short version

A few markers along the way.

2018
Philippines

First underwater photography role, at a dive centre. Six days a week in the water.

2022
MSc Marine Biology, UCC

First Class Honours, University College Cork.

2023
Offshore

Began freelance marine mammal observer work offshore. Progressed from junior to lead roles.

2024
Discover the Blu & Heal the Blu

Helped establish an eco-tourism centre and a marine conservation NGO in Malta. Filmed loggerhead turtle releases underwater.

2025
Nikon Z8 + Marelux

Filmed a short promo for Heal the Blu and invested in a Nikon Z8 and Marelux housing for professional underwater video.

2026
Underwater cinematography

Studying with Roger Horrocks, developing the craft toward long-form natural history work.

Contact

Working on something in the water?

Film, science, or somewhere in between. If it involves the ocean, I am interested.

Get in touch