transforming ideas into cinematic,
thought-provoking experiences

an award-winning director, producer and marketer, Joel Barrios has spent 14 years crafting innovative content for global audiences, working across the USA, Europe and Latin America, with acclaimed directors like Ryan Murphy and Manolo Caro, and for brands like Netflix, Yahoo and Universal Music. 

he has collaborated with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, Naomi Watts, Javier Bardem, Jennifer Coolidge, Evan Peters and Madelyn Cline, shaping global hits like Dahmer, Monsters, Outer Banks and Selena, all of which hit #1. his work on Dahmer earned him the prestigious Grand Clio Award.

now embarking on a new chapter as a full-time director, he is currently developing his first narrative short film, a project that reflects his bold artistic vision. 

Joel is open to work in commercial and creative direction and consulting across editorial, fiction, social media and marketing.

campaign creative direction

  • Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (September 2022)

  • Monsters - The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (September 2024)

  • Outer Banks Season 4 (November 2024)

  • The Watcher (October 2022)

  • Selena: The Series (May 2021)

  • Selena: The Series (Selena: La Serie) (December 2020)

  • The Andy Warhol Diaries (March 2022)

  • Survival Of The Thickest Season 1 (July 2023)

  • The House Of Flowers (La Casa de las Flores) Season 2 - October 2019

  • The House Of Flowers: The Funeral (La Casa de las Flores: El Funeral) (Noviembre 2019)

  • The House Of Flores: The Movie (La Casa de las Flores: La Película) (June 2021)

  • Pray Away (June 2021)

a little bit about me

born and raised in Tenerife, I have always been drawn to storytelling—whether through film, photography, music, fashion, dance, or the vibrant traditions of my island home. I studied audiovisual communication in Madrid, later living in Miami and Los Angeles, where I immersed myself in creative industries, working across film, TV, and music.

after 19 years away from Tenerife, I felt the need to return to reconnect with my roots and find my voice as a filmmaker. the result of a 3-month break in my home island resulted in the development of my first narrative short film, a project that weaves together the essence of Tenerife, the tradition of Carnival, and the stories of gender dissidents, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and transformation.

director work

all spots, commercials and teasers ideated, written and directed by me (unless otherwise stated)

brands I've worked with

Netflix
Universal Music Group
Yahoo!
Diesel

get in touch!

hi@joelbarrios.com

currently based between Los Angeles (US) and the Canary Islands (Spain)
available to work remotely, travel internationally and relocate