Jon Barton(I)
- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Producer
Jon is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, dynamic film-industry entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for authentic military representation in media. After serving multiple tours in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom-earning three Navy Achievement Medals, a Combat Action Ribbon with bravery commendation, and commendations for excellence in instruction-Jon embarked on a parallel career in Hollywood, leveraging his extensive military knowledge to ensure accuracy and realism on some of the world's largest film, television, and video game productions.
Recognizing the need for veterans to find meaningful opportunities in entertainment, Jon founded GUNMETAL in 2006, the first Hollywood-based corporation dedicated to creating industry jobs for former service members. As a senior military consultant and weapons choreographer, he has trained and advised A-list talent-including Tom Cruise, Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart, Aaron Eckhart, and many others-ensuring on-screen authenticity while championing the talents of veteran professionals.
When top global advertising clients, including USAA and T-Mobile, sought to depict military life and culture accurately, Jon stepped in to help craft groundbreaking campaigns-now benchmarks in the advertising world. His expertise and commitment to verisimilitude earned industry accolades, boosted client revenues and set a new standard for portraying service members in commercial media. Major agencies like Campbell Ewald and Mullen Lowe have relied on his insight to shape powerful, award-winning marketing initiatives.
In 2015, Jon launched Night-Fire Media, broadening his mission to empower fellow veterans. With a vast inventory of historical, modern, and futuristic military props, weapons, and uniforms, Night-Fire Media supports independent filmmakers by granting them access to equipment typically out of reach without major studio budgets. In February 2022, Jon made international headlines when he donated over two million dollars' worth of that same gear to the Ukrainian military-gear originally destined for movie sets but redirected to help real soldiers on the front lines. Jon considers this act of solidarity and service one of his proudest achievements.
Never one to rest on past success, Jon returned to academia at age 46-using his remaining Marine Corps educational benefits-to pursue dual graduate degrees. He is on track to complete his MBA at Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School (PKEMBA Cohort 152) in December and earn his Juris Doctor from the University of West Los Angeles the following June. His legal focus combines criminal trial advocacy with entertainment law, reflecting his passion for justice and his nearly two decades in the entertainment industry. Upon graduation, Jon plans to champion disabled veterans' rights while growing Night-Fire Media's intellectual property division.
Throughout his Marine Corps career, Jon amassed certifications from more than 27 schools and training courses, including counterterrorism, reconnaissance, mountaineering, and advanced military operations in urban terrain. He was among a select few sergeants to complete the comprehensive "long rifle" range safety officer course, enabling him to run live-fire training at platoon, company, and battalion levels. A revered instructor in asymmetric warfare and mountaineering, Jon's leadership and unwavering dedication to his fellow Marines remain a hallmark of his service.
A prolific writer, Jon continues to craft screenplays, novels, and episodic series under his writer's alias, including military sci-fi adventures and YA fiction. Whether blazing trails in academia, innovating in film and TV, or supporting veterans' charities, Jon's guiding principle is simple: aut viam inveniam aut faciam-"I will either find a way or make one." His journey stands as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future for all.
Recognizing the need for veterans to find meaningful opportunities in entertainment, Jon founded GUNMETAL in 2006, the first Hollywood-based corporation dedicated to creating industry jobs for former service members. As a senior military consultant and weapons choreographer, he has trained and advised A-list talent-including Tom Cruise, Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart, Aaron Eckhart, and many others-ensuring on-screen authenticity while championing the talents of veteran professionals.
When top global advertising clients, including USAA and T-Mobile, sought to depict military life and culture accurately, Jon stepped in to help craft groundbreaking campaigns-now benchmarks in the advertising world. His expertise and commitment to verisimilitude earned industry accolades, boosted client revenues and set a new standard for portraying service members in commercial media. Major agencies like Campbell Ewald and Mullen Lowe have relied on his insight to shape powerful, award-winning marketing initiatives.
In 2015, Jon launched Night-Fire Media, broadening his mission to empower fellow veterans. With a vast inventory of historical, modern, and futuristic military props, weapons, and uniforms, Night-Fire Media supports independent filmmakers by granting them access to equipment typically out of reach without major studio budgets. In February 2022, Jon made international headlines when he donated over two million dollars' worth of that same gear to the Ukrainian military-gear originally destined for movie sets but redirected to help real soldiers on the front lines. Jon considers this act of solidarity and service one of his proudest achievements.
Never one to rest on past success, Jon returned to academia at age 46-using his remaining Marine Corps educational benefits-to pursue dual graduate degrees. He is on track to complete his MBA at Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School (PKEMBA Cohort 152) in December and earn his Juris Doctor from the University of West Los Angeles the following June. His legal focus combines criminal trial advocacy with entertainment law, reflecting his passion for justice and his nearly two decades in the entertainment industry. Upon graduation, Jon plans to champion disabled veterans' rights while growing Night-Fire Media's intellectual property division.
Throughout his Marine Corps career, Jon amassed certifications from more than 27 schools and training courses, including counterterrorism, reconnaissance, mountaineering, and advanced military operations in urban terrain. He was among a select few sergeants to complete the comprehensive "long rifle" range safety officer course, enabling him to run live-fire training at platoon, company, and battalion levels. A revered instructor in asymmetric warfare and mountaineering, Jon's leadership and unwavering dedication to his fellow Marines remain a hallmark of his service.
A prolific writer, Jon continues to craft screenplays, novels, and episodic series under his writer's alias, including military sci-fi adventures and YA fiction. Whether blazing trails in academia, innovating in film and TV, or supporting veterans' charities, Jon's guiding principle is simple: aut viam inveniam aut faciam-"I will either find a way or make one." His journey stands as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future for all.
