Writer-director bringing an international perspective, with a love for collaboration and education. Former artist/producer with experience across screenwriting, directing, editing, and multimedia storytelling. Published and freelance across entertainment and journalism, including music/podcast content, feature and short work, and screen-based creative production—also teaching film/communications and supporting writers’ room work on fantasy game narratives.…

Jean Barker

Writer-director bringing an international perspective, with a love for collaboration and education. Former artist/producer with experience across screenwriting, directing, editing, and multimedia storytelling. Published and freelance across entertainment and journalism, including music/podcast content, feature and short work, and screen-based creative production—also teaching film/communications and supporting writers’ room work on fantasy game narratives.…

Available to hire

Writer-director bringing an international perspective, with a love for collaboration and education. Former artist/producer with experience across screenwriting, directing, editing, and multimedia storytelling.

Published and freelance across entertainment and journalism, including music/podcast content, feature and short work, and screen-based creative production—also teaching film/communications and supporting writers’ room work on fantasy game narratives.

See more

Language

Afrikaans
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Educator (Film / Communications) at Various summer camps, schools, and institutions (listed separately)
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Taught one-week sleepover summer camps (2016-2012018 timeframe) and college-level summer classes in filmmaking/acting; also taught pre-K through 12th grade in Los Angeles and San Diego schools. Focus areas included filmmaking instruction, creative communication, and practical production skills. Directed teaching content toward hands-on creative outputs and foundational media literacy.
Graphic novelist / author / comics creator at Etmet Comics (listed)
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2020
Created and contributed to comic/graphic novel works. Experience includes authorship and teaching/project support connected to comic/story development.
Video editor / training video editor
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2023
Edited short videos using software such as Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. Worked as a video editor for training materials and edited briefs/short video deliverables across various software tools.
Writer / Editor / Manager (News & entertainment) at 24.com / freelancing (Freelance + role implied with site launch)
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2022
Worked as a journalist/editor/manager and contributed entertainment and video content. Launched a video channel for Africa’s biggest new provider’s entertainment website and produced the first South African music podcast. Wrote freelance feature articles and humor columns (e.g., Mail & Guardian, Marie Claire) and served in a technical writing role post-college for about two years.
Script Analyst/Tutor at Media Los Angeles
January 1, 2015 - October 15, 2025
Provided script analysis and tutoring services, helping aspiring writers develop their screenwriting craft through feedback and mentorship.
Freelance Los Angeles at Freelance Los Angeles
January 1, 2015 - Present
Worked on multiple projects, collaborating with other professionals and gaining experience in different facets of film production.
Writer (online fantasy game writers room member)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
Member of the writers’ room for an online fantasy game; provided story craft and actionable notes for narrative development.
Screenwriter / Story analyst
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2022
Serves as a screenplay and story analysis professional, including immersive artistry/dream-scripting and program/story development work for screen formats. Also worked in writers-room style narrative development for an online fantasy game.
Freelance Writer-Director at Freelance Los Angeles & South Africa
January 1, 2014 - Present
As a freelance writer-director, I engaged in various projects across film and theatre, honing my skills in storytelling while collaborating with diverse teams to create impactful narratives.
Assistant Writer at Writers Room for Dreams/Qans
January 1, 2011 - October 15, 2025
Assisted in the writing process, supporting a team of writers with ideas and content development for multiple projects.

Education

MFA Directing at Chapman University Dodge College
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014
Hons. Media Studies at University of KwaZulu-Natal
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1996
Culture & Media Studies at University of Durban-Westville (implied by listed Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
B.A. (Honours-level study noted) at Multiple institutions (implied)
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2015

Qualifications

Coursework / multiple study areas
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2003

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education
    Short Directing Showreel - Jean Barker
    A 2-minute writing and directing showreel. I directed all projects (Twirl is co-directed) and wrote all the projects' screenplays. video filmdirector videoeditor…