JT Barnett is a seasoned producer, director, and creative force behind hundreds of acclaimed projects spanning television, documentary, branded content, and commercial photography. With a deep-rooted passion for cinema and visual storytelling, JT brings a unique blend of artistic vision and strategic production insight to every endeavor.
He began his career as a field producer on the cult reality hit Cheaters, cutting his teeth during the early days of unscripted television. JT would later direct and field produce the global phenomenon Joe Exotic: The Tiger King—a docuseries that became Netflix’s most-watched program of 2020, garnering six Emmy nominations and over 160 million views in its first month alone.
JT’s craft has been honed through mentorship under industry veterans including master still & motion photographer James Russell and legendary film producer Mark Lipsky (Coming to America, Harlem Nights). Their influence helped shape his signature style—where cinematic ambition meets grounded storytelling.
Currently, JT is producing new episodes of Cheaters alongside reality TV pioneer Bobby Goldstein and Serena DC of Elysium Media. He is also developing a diverse slate of original content and global ventures across media, sustainability, finance, cannabis, and tech. He is set to earn his MBA from Southern Methodist University in 2025, further expanding his footprint at the intersection of business and entertainment.
Whether on set, behind the lens, or in the boardroom internationally, JT Barnett remains committed to pushing creative boundaries and bringing powerful stories to life.
