Jose Luis Gomez Barres, known professionally as Jose Barres, has built a career defined by precision, curiosity, and a deep connection to the craft of visual storytelling. His professional path began in Hollywood, working for an iconic lighting manufacturer where he gained hands-on experience at the highest level of the industry. This role took him across Europe and South America, exposing him to diverse production environments and creative cultures. Through this extensive travel and collaboration, he developed a solid and practical understanding of the film industry—its technical demands, its creative ambitions, and the importance of reliability behind the scenes.
After this formative chapter, Jose took on a new challenge: introducing and representing VELVET state-of-the-art lighting technology in the United States. This step marked a transition from industry contributor to industry builder. With the founding of VELVET USA, his entrepreneurial vision began to take shape—one rooted not just in products, but in a philosophy.
Under his leadership, VELVET USA evolved into a multidisciplinary platform that bridges lighting, engineering, and music—three areas that reflect both his expertise and personal passion. His approach is deliberate and selective, centered on building long-term relationships with clients who value quality, clarity, and intention. Transparency is the foundation of these partnerships, shaping a business model that prioritizes trust over scale.
Jose lives in California with his wife, their twins Goldie and Silverado, and their Maltese Shih Tzu, Benji Rex. His professional journey continues to reflect the same principles that defined its beginning: movement, refinement, and a commitment to doing things with purpose.
Welcome to Smooth Like VELVET.