Burnie Burns

Burnie Burns is a writer, producer, actor, and pioneering digital entrepreneur best known as a co-founder of Rooster Teeth, one of the earliest and most influential internet media companies. Born in Rochester, New York, he grew up in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in computer science. His background in tech and storytelling would later shape his innovative approach to online entertainment.

Burns rose to prominence in 2003 with the creation of "Red vs. Blue," a groundbreaking web series produced using the video game "Halo: Combat Evolved." The show popularized “machinima,” a form of filmmaking that uses video game engines to create animated stories. "Red vs. Blue" became a cultural phenomenon, running for nearly two decades and helping legitimize internet-first content long before streaming platforms became mainstream.

Under Burns’ leadership, Rooster Teeth expanded far beyond its original series, producing live-action shorts, animated shows such as "RWBY," feature films, podcasts, and large-scale fan conventions like RTX. The company built a fiercely loyal online community and became a model for creator-driven digital media businesses. In 2014, Rooster Teeth was acquired by Fullscreen, which was later folded into WarnerMedia, marking a major milestone in the mainstream recognition of digital-native studios.

In addition to his executive work, Burns co-hosted the popular Rooster Teeth Podcast and appeared frequently on camera, known for his dry wit and sharp commentary on tech, gaming, and internet culture. In 2019, he stepped away from day-to-day operations at Rooster Teeth and later relocated overseas, continuing to work on independent creative projects and media ventures.

Burns is widely regarded as one of the architects of modern internet entertainment—an early visionary who helped transform online video from hobbyist experimentation into a global industry.