Born in Portland, Oregon, CJ Barnes has had a fascination with cinema and spent much of his youth writing and developing original screenplay ideas.

While he continued to write frequently, he didn't get his first taste of production until he was in Macau, working with various film and TV crews, both as actor and cast manager.

He has spent the past 12 years away from his home country, living abroad in Macau, France, on board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, and in Australia, where he now makes his home. During that time, he wrote often, produced an animated show, did videography for a number of artists and performers, and worked with a number of music, film, and stage performers.

After prompting from friends and family, CJ finally took his first plunge into filmmaking: writing, directing, and producing his first film, "Hunger - A Short Film". To date, the film has received 13 Official Selections, 10 Awards Nominations, and has won 4 Awards.

CJ is now in pre-production to film his award-winning short screenplay, "Love Thy Neighbour", with a scheduled shoot in April 2019.