About Jeff Barnes

My career began in film and television production, working as a PA, editor, and fill-in live news director for NBC and CBS affiliates along California's Central Coast. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong interest in storytelling, design, technology, and audience engagement.

That passion eventually led to the co-founding of ComputerCafe Group, which grew to include CaféFX, The Syndicate, and Sententia Entertainment. Together with an exceptional team, we built a collection of creative businesses serving major studios, agencies, and entertainment brands while generating more than $180 million in revenue over their lifetime.

Since then, I've held leadership roles spanning entertainment, emerging technology, and strategic partnerships, including Digital Domain Media Group, Lytro, and Light Field Lab, where I served as a founding employee and member of the executive leadership team.

Throughout my career, I've enjoyed helping organizations turn ambitious ideas into successful creative projects by combining creative leadership, producing, strategic thinking, and practical execution. My work has included branding, marketing, communications, content development, strategic partnerships, immersive experiences, and creative initiatives ranging from Harry Potter attractions to Light Field Lab's SETI First Contact Experience. Whether leading organizations, collaborating on facility design, producing immersive experiences, or helping shape emerging technologies, I've always been drawn to the intersection of creativity, business, and technology.

Beyond my professional roles, I had the privilege of serving as Chairman and Executive Board Member of the Visual Effects Society and was later recognized as a VES Fellow, and was recently accepted into the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences, Production and Technology Branch.

Today, I partner with organizations seeking creative leadership, producing, and strategic guidance to help shape ambitious ideas into meaningful experiences. I continue to explore emerging technologies, including AI-powered tools and workflows, while supportng organizations, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses navigating innovation and change.