John Anderson, a distinguished American filmmaker, came into the world on January 12, 1954, in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio. His father, J. Milo Anderson, was a respected hospital administrator, while his mother, Helen (nee Casterton) Anderson, was a dedicated registered nurse. The juxtaposition of these two professions had a profound impact on John's formative years, leading to a childhood characterized by a series of relocations across the United States.
John Anderson's early life was a symphony of folk, blues, and rock music, a melodic tapestry that would eventually weave its way into the very fabric of his future endeavors as a filmmaker. The sounds that surrounded him as a child would later become the rhythm section of his creative pursuits.
John's unwavering enthusiasm for music ultimately led to the preservation of a historic 1974 recording of the renowned musician Steve Goodman, which would later be commercially released by Red Pajamas Records in the year 2013. Following his academic pursuits at Northwestern, Anderson embarked on a professional journey, taking on the role of editor at the esteemed companies Telemation and Post Effects, located in the vibrant city of Chicago.
John Anderson, a renowned figure in the music industry, took on the role of editor in 1985, overseeing the creation of the iconic music video "The Super Bowl Shuffle". This groundbreaking project achieved remarkable commercial success, ranking as the second-highest selling music video of its time, with only Michael Jackson's "Thriller" surpassing it.
Anderson's satirical rock band, The Cleaning Ladys, garnered widespread national attention with the release of their music videos, "Creatures From Outer Space" and "She Won't French Kiss". The latter, in particular, earned a prestigious International Monitor Award, beating out a competitive field of esteemed artists, including Dire Straits, Don Henley, and Yes.
Anderson's extensive experience in documentary editing naturally led him to forge collaborative partnerships with renowned production companies, including Kurtis Productions and IPA, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to his craft.
As a visionary entrepreneur, Anderson co-founded the Chicago-based post-production company Superior Street Inc. in 1995, joining forces with three like-minded partners who shared his passion for innovation and excellence.
During his tenure at Superior Street, Anderson had the privilege of establishing a professional relationship with the legendary Brian Wilson, co-founder of the iconic Beach Boys, in 1998.
John Anderson embarked on a new entrepreneurial venture in the year 2007, establishing his own production and post-production company, Anderson Productions, which has since served as a platform for him to showcase his multifaceted skills as a director, editor, and producer of music documentaries.
One of his most recent and notable projects is the 2017 music documentary, "Horn from the Heart: The Paul Butterfield Story", which pays tribute to the life and legacy of the renowned blues artist, Paul Butterfield, who tragically passed away.
Throughout his illustrious career, John Anderson has consistently demonstrated a profound appreciation for the world of music, as well as a deep passion for the art of filmmaking and the art of storytelling. His tireless dedication to his craft has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the industry, cementing his position as a respected and accomplished figure in the world of music documentaries.
