Dwayne Guzman Barnett
Los Angeles
Summary
Transformational executive with extensive leadership experience in live event production, global operations, and strategic client partnerships. Oversaw major business operations and delivered over 360 productions annually, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and cross-functional teams to drive growth and client loyalty.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
15/40 PRODUCTIONS
Los Angeles
01.2003 - Current
- Executive leader responsible for company-wide operations, production execution, client partnerships, workforce strategy, and large-scale live event delivery for a premier live event production company.
- Managed executive relationships with top entertainment, streaming, media, and Fortune 500 clients; Drove repeat business through excellence in delivery and development of strategic partnerships, enhancing client trust and loyalty.
- Oversight & Operations: Lead business operations supporting $70M+ in annual revenue; Deliver 360+ live productions annually across entertainment, media, and corporate sectors; Oversee end-to-end execution including design, fabrication, technical production, logistics, staffing, and onsite operations.
- Led 50+ direct cross-functional staff and managed extensive freelance production labor, vendors, and technical teams; Negotiated union and non-union labor agreements, developed staffing strategies, and deployed workforce to optimize production execution in fast-paced environments.
- Led domestic and international productions across North America, Europe, and Asia; Oversaw event logistics, technical integration, travel coordination, and talent accommodations to ensure seamless execution.
- Representative Clients: Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Disney, HBO, ESPN, Warner Bros., Sony, Paramount, Hulu, Lionsgate, Showtime, Columbia Pictures.
- Representative Event Types: Award Shows, Red Carpets, Broadcast Events, Premieres, Fashion Shows, Product Launches, Experiential Activations, Concerts, Galas.
FREELANCE DIRECTOR | PRODUCTION MANAGER | TOUR MANAGER
Los Angeles / New York
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Oversaw large-scale entertainment productions, touring operations, branded activations, and live event execution, creating seamless experiences for nationally recognized clients and talent.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align organizational goals with market trends.
- Oversaw cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and streamline project execution.
- Developed and implemented policies to improve operational efficiency across departments.
FREELANCE LIGHTING DESIGNER
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Executed lighting design and production for diverse projects in entertainment, sports, fashion, and corporate sectors.
- Collaborated with high-profile clients including 20th Century Fox, DreamWorks, Paramount, Sony, Tommy Hilfiger, Hard Rock Hotel, The Rolling Stones, and Los Angeles Kings.
- Designed innovative lighting concepts for various events and productions.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and requirements.
- Developed lighting plots and schematics for technical execution.
DIRECTOR OF LIGHTING SERVICES
MERV GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS
Santa Monica
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Executed creative and operational strategies for high-profile national and international productions.
- Directed 30+ production professionals on domestic and global projects; Oversaw lighting design, vendor management, project schedules, and operational execution; Developed client proposals and engaged in business development; Contributed to leadership initiatives focused on communication, quality standards, and organizational improvement.
- Representative Projects: GRAMMY Awards Arrivals & Press Room, Pearl Harbor Premiere, Los Angeles Kings Playoffs, Political Events, Corporate Productions, International Events across Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
Education
Kensington College
Skills
- P&L management
- Operational leadership
- Growth strategies
- Development strategies
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Global production oversight
- Logistics planning
- Technical production expertise
- Process improvement initiatives
- Workforce management
- Event production management
- Client relations
- Client relationship management
- Team leadership
- Organizational development
Core Expertise
- Operational Leadership
- P&L Oversight
- Business Growth
- Executive Client Relationships
- Global Production Management
- Live Event Strategy
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Labor Negotiations
- Union & Non-Union Workforce Management
- Vendor Sourcing & Contract Negotiation
- Technical Production
- Scenic Fabrication
- Logistics & Resource Planning
- Team Leadership
- Organizational Development
- Process Improvement
- Business Development
Accomplishments
- Biz Bash Industry Innovators 2025
Timeline
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
15/40 PRODUCTIONS
01.2003 - Current
DIRECTOR OF LIGHTING SERVICES
MERV GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS
01.1999 - 01.2002
FREELANCE DIRECTOR | PRODUCTION MANAGER | TOUR MANAGER
01.1997 - 01.2003
FREELANCE LIGHTING DESIGNER
01.1997 - 01.2003
Kensington College