Burnie Burns, American actor, director, and producer, co-founded Rooster Teeth Productions

Michael Justin "Burnie" Burns, born on January 18, 1973, is a highly influential American figure in digital media, known for his versatile roles as a writer, actor, producer, comedian, host, and director. Previously based in Austin, Texas, Burns is widely recognized as a pioneering force in online content creation, most notably as a co-founder, former chief executive officer (CEO), and former chief creative officer (CCO) of the renowned production company, Rooster Teeth.

Pioneering Machinima and Digital Entertainment

Burns's significant contributions to the entertainment industry are deeply rooted in his innovative work with machinima, a groundbreaking form of filmmaking that harnesses the rendering capabilities and environments of real-time 3D video game engines for cinematic production. Beyond machinima, his creative portfolio extends to traditional animation and live-action projects, cementing his reputation as a versatile content creator.

His early success and subsequent rise to prominence are inextricably linked to the creation of the acclaimed machinima series, Red vs. Blue: The Blood Gulch Chronicles. Launched in April 2003, this series, developed by Burns alongside a group of friends and co-workers, revolutionized online storytelling. Filmed almost entirely within the popular first-person shooter game Halo: Combat Evolved, Red vs. Blue quickly garnered widespread critical acclaim for its sharp humor, original dialogue, and ingenious use of game mechanics to tell a compelling story. Its immense popularity transformed Burns into an early Internet celebrity, demonstrating the vast potential of user-generated content and paving the way for the establishment of Rooster Teeth.

Expanding Creative Horizons

The immediate and widespread success of Red vs. Blue not only propelled Rooster Teeth into a major player in the emerging online video landscape but also attracted attention from established industry giants. Video game developer Electronic Arts, impressed by Burns's innovative approach, commissioned him to create a promotional series for their highly anticipated game, The Sims 2. This collaboration resulted in The Strangerhood, another successful machinima series that further showcased Burns's creative adaptability. He also premiered P.A.N.I.C.S., a mini-series that creatively utilized the sophisticated game engine of the horror title F.E.A.R. for its production, highlighting his continued exploration of machinima's diverse applications.

Beyond machinima, Burns ventured into traditional live-action filmmaking. In 2016, he notably starred in the science fiction comedy film Lazer Team, a project he also co-wrote. This film, alongside its sequel released the following year, gained significant attention for its successful crowdfunding campaign, which reportedly raised over $2.4 million on Indiegogo, demonstrating the power of direct audience support for independent productions.

Impact on Podcasting and Web Series

Burns is also widely recognized for his pioneering work in the hosting and podcasting fields. He was a prominent voice on The RT Podcast (originally known as The Drunk Tank), one of the longest-running and most influential podcasts in the digital space, which played a crucial role in popularizing the medium for a global audience and fostered a strong community around Rooster Teeth.

His hosting prowess was further showcased in series such as Immersion (launched in 2010), a unique live-action show that humorously tested common video game tropes in real-world scenarios, and The Gauntlet (2013), Rooster Teeth's engaging reality game show. For his compelling work on these series, Burns received two nominations for "Best Host of a Web Series (Pre-Recorded)" at the prestigious IAWTV Awards, acknowledging his significant contributions to the web series landscape.

Industry Recognition and Legacy

As a true innovator in the field of machinima and a prominent figure in online entertainment, Burnie Burns has been a sought-after speaker and guest at major industry events. His presence has graced renowned conventions and festivals such as the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX), San Diego Comic-Con International, the Sundance Film Festival, and The Sydney Film Festival, underscoring his influence and recognition within both the gaming and broader entertainment communities.

His impact on the digital landscape has been consistently recognized by leading industry publications. In 2015, The Hollywood Reporter named him one of the "Top 25 Digital Stars," highlighting his significant online reach and influence. Furthermore, in 2018, alongside his long-time business partner Matt Hullum, Burns was featured by Variety as one of their "Top Digital Entertainment Execs to Watch," a testament to his executive leadership and strategic vision within the evolving digital media industry.

In a significant development for his career and Rooster Teeth, Burnie Burns announced in 2020 that he would be stepping down from his role as Chief Creative Officer and transitioning away from full-time employment with the company to pursue personal projects and relocate to Scotland. Despite this shift, his legacy as a co-founder and a driving creative force remains central to Rooster Teeth's identity and the broader history of digital entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Burnie Burns

What is machinima and how did Burnie Burns contribute to it?

Machinima is a filmmaking technique that uses real-time 3D graphics engines from video games to create animated films. Burnie Burns was a pioneering figure in popularizing machinima with his series Red vs. Blue: The Blood Gulch Chronicles, which demonstrated the creative potential of using games like Halo for narrative storytelling, effectively shaping the early landscape of online video content.

What roles did Burnie Burns hold at Rooster Teeth?

Burnie Burns was a co-founder of Rooster Teeth. He served as the company's chief executive officer (CEO) and later as its chief creative officer (CCO) before transitioning away from full-time employment in 2020. His leadership was instrumental in growing Rooster Teeth from a small independent project into a major digital media company.

Is Burnie Burns still involved with Rooster Teeth?

As of 2020, Burnie Burns stepped down from his executive roles and full-time employment at Rooster Teeth. While he has moved on to pursue new personal projects and is no longer directly involved in day-to-day operations, his legacy as a co-founder and original creative force remains a fundamental part of the company's history and brand identity.