tbAbout
Thomas Barnes’ signature is edgy, creative film. As someone who has lived and worked in Asia, UK and USA, he brings a cross cultural mindset to his work and life. As a director he has embraced different genres enthusiastically – drama, TV commercials, music videos, and television. Highlights include spots for Coke and Chrysler; music clips for Keke Palmer, Rod Stewart, Asian megastars Faye Wong and Andy Lau; short films ‘Pork Chop’ and ‘Cement’ which have been seen in festivals in USA, Europe and Asia.

Work
In 2005, Thomas Barnes relocates his base to the city of his celluloid fantasies- New York. Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, Midnight Cowboy etc still resonnate in 21st century Gotham. He shoots in NYC and Los Angeles - spots for Chrysler Sebring car, Chase bank, Converse, Vh1 as well as music video for Keke Palmer, the young Disney star of movie ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and ‘Jump In’. His photographic images of loners in the city at night grab the attention of the folks at Trace magazine who publish portraits shot in New York and China. He directs short film ‘Cement’ for Ripfest 7, shown at Anthology Film Archives NYC and is currently plotting a new dramatic work.

1996-2004. Thomas Barnes sets up Big Fish Productions in Hong Kong and is busy helming music videos for Asian stars like Faye Wong (star of 2046, Chung King Express), Kelly Chen, Andy Lau (‘Infernal Affairs’ remade as ‘The Departed’), Ai Jing and Rod Stewart and others. Commercial spots ensue for Coke, M&M and a host of Hong Kong and Asian clients. The short film ‘Pork Chop’ (writer/director) is made in 2002 and has since shown at 30 international film festivals including prestigious Clermand Ferrand France and many more. TV promos for MTV Asia and Channel V. Fashion stills for South China Morning Post magazine.

1991-1996. Senior Producer MTV Asia. Joins the new music channel from day one.. helps launch it in Asia. Shoots artist specials with all the cats passing through town – among them Radiohead, Public Enemy, Chris Isaak, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Peter Gabriel and so on. Also helms studio shows like Alternative Nation and Most Wanted and busily tracks down new talent to become VJ’s. He helms magazine style shows from locations all over Asia, USA.

1988-90 Thomas Barnes leaves London University armed with a degree in English Literature. Studying literature and drama has been a great intellectual foundation for a directorial career in film. In several formative years he works in production on TV commercials & pop videos (directors like Tony Kaye, Kevin Godley), and he writes film reviews for local magazines. In short, he pays his dues.

Testimonials
MTV Networks
McCann Erickson


©2006 Thomas A. Barnes