Burnie Burns
Creator of Red vs. Blue, co-founder of Rooster Teeth
Burnie Burns (born September 17, 1973) is an American animator, director, screenwriter, and producer who co-founded Rooster Teeth Productions, one of the most influential digital media companies in the world. Burns created Red vs. Blue in 2003, a comedy series filmed using the video game Halo that became a cultural phenomenon and helped establish web series as a legitimate entertainment medium. His innovative use of machinima—creating films using video game engines—revolutionized independent filmmaking and inspired countless creators. Beyond Red vs. Blue, Burns has directed and produced numerous acclaimed projects including RWBY, a stylized anime-influenced series that gained international recognition. His work has been credited with helping establish Austin, Texas as a hub for digital media production. Burns' creative vision and entrepreneurial acumen transformed Rooster Teeth from a small group of friends making videos into a major entertainment company, demonstrating the potential of online content creation long before YouTube became mainstream.
Entertainment
American
1973
Thinking about the name
Burnie
Scottish origin
“A diminutive or informal form of names like Burnell or Burns, with the friendly -ie suffix. Burnie has a warm, approachable Scottish charm, suggesting boyish energy and friendliness. The name feels youthful and genial, less formal than its parent names.”