Matthew Raymond “Matt” Burnett (born March 7, 1983 in New Jersey) is an American animator, writer, director, voice actor, storyboard artist, and executive producer. He is best known as the co-creator, alongside longtime collaborator Ben Levin, of Cartoon Network’s Craig of the Creek (2017–2023) and its spin-off Jessica’s Big Little World (2023). Together, Burnett and Levin also co-wrote and co-directed the prequel film Craig Before the Creek (2023).
Before creating his own series, Burnett was a key creative force on Steven Universe (2013–2018). As a senior writer and story editor, he helped develop the story for nearly 50 episodes and edited scripts for more than 50, working closely with the storyboard artists during pitches to refine Rebecca Sugar’s vision for the show. He and Levin left Steven Universe after Craig of the Creek was greenlit, but returned to co-write the story for Steven Universe: The Movie (2019).
Burnett’s career began in the mid-2000s. In 2006, he provided the voice of Simon in the short film She She She She’s a Bombshell!, and the following year worked as an animator on Kappa Mikey (2007). Since then, his work has spanned writing, directing, voice acting, and producing, with a consistent focus on imaginative, character-driven storytelling.
Burnett often credits his DIY, hands-on upbringing for shaping his creative ethos, bringing authenticity and heart to the worlds he builds. Across television and film, he has established himself as a versatile storyteller dedicated to creating stories filled with humor, warmth, and emotional depth.
