Hi, I’m Danny Barnhart, a senior video producer and visual effects artist with extensive experience delivering a wide range of video assets for animation, film, and episodic content at studios including Pixar, Blue Sky Studios, and Paramount Animation! I’m comfortable navigating both the technical problem-solving side and the storytelling side of production, with a proven track record of shaping project-wide VFX direction and empowering filmmakers to bring ambitious ideas to life. I thrive at the intersection of technology and narrative, combining hands-on FX work with creative direction to deliver compelling visuals on tight timelines. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, defining production pipelines, and helping diverse projects reach their highest potential!

Danny Barnhart

Hi, I’m Danny Barnhart, a senior video producer and visual effects artist with extensive experience delivering a wide range of video assets for animation, film, and episodic content at studios including Pixar, Blue Sky Studios, and Paramount Animation! I’m comfortable navigating both the technical problem-solving side and the storytelling side of production, with a proven track record of shaping project-wide VFX direction and empowering filmmakers to bring ambitious ideas to life. I thrive at the intersection of technology and narrative, combining hands-on FX work with creative direction to deliver compelling visuals on tight timelines. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, defining production pipelines, and helping diverse projects reach their highest potential!

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Danny Barnhart, a senior video producer and visual effects artist with extensive experience delivering a wide range of video assets for animation, film, and episodic content at studios including Pixar, Blue Sky Studios, and Paramount Animation! I’m comfortable navigating both the technical problem-solving side and the storytelling side of production, with a proven track record of shaping project-wide VFX direction and empowering filmmakers to bring ambitious ideas to life.

I thrive at the intersection of technology and narrative, combining hands-on FX work with creative direction to deliver compelling visuals on tight timelines. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, defining production pipelines, and helping diverse projects reach their highest potential!

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Work Experience

Lead FX Artist at Paramount Animation
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026
Pipel ine & asset development; created effects for Avatar: The Legend using hybrid techniques to combine 3D directional work with traditional 2D animation workflows. Established, documented, and maintained the 3D pipeline, leading the end-to-end production process from pre-production development to final delivery of effects.
Consulting Creative Director at PRISM FL
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025
Led concept design and execution of visual assets for campaigns, events, and organizational initiatives, including social media content, websites, and videos.
FX Artist at Pixar Animation Studios
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024
Delivered effects for Turning Red, Lightyear, Inside Out 2, and Won’t Lose using production and simulation-based setups; designed Houdini-based FX setups for a wide range of challenging FX and simulations; collaborated with production teams to ensure high-quality final renders.
FX Artist at PowerHouse VFX
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020
Expedited effects delivery, developed high-quality and compelling assets on tight deadlines for episodic and commercial projects. Managed multiple projects simultaneously, balancing shifting priorities and deadlines with clarity and strong communication. Ensured seamless integration by lighting and shading assets for final composites.
Workshop Instructor at The Gnomon Workshop
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Advanced artist skills: created guided workshops covering Houdini’s flip fluid and ocean tools using in-depth knowledge of photorealistic simulations, fostering collaboration, creativity, and excellence.
FX Artist at Blue Sky Studios
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019
Created a variety of effects for Spies in Disguise using procedural and simulation workflows, including geometry generation and authoring custom shaders; developed department tools to improve efficiency and quickly address notes.
Visual Effects Peer Tutor at Savannah College of Art and Design
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Enhanced students’ proficiency in visual effects software and concepts through clear communication and effective problem-solving techniques, encouraging academic success and career readiness.
Studio Resource Group Lead & Contributor at Pixar Animation Studios
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024
Brand stewardship: developed and implemented logos, style guides, and branded materials for employee resource groups; served as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, content partners, creative teams, and technical crews to execute high-quality, on-brand productions throughout the production lifecycle. Team management: oversaw workflow timelines and resource allocation, ensuring efficient workflows and on-time delivery of assets and events.
Effects Intern at Blue Sky Studios
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Early exposure to effects production; assisted in creating simple FX tasks under supervision.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), VFX, Motion Media at Savannah College of Art and Design
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Qualifications

CRLA Teaching & Learning Certification
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment