John, a native of New Zealand, has devoted an impressive half-century to the world of filmmaking and television, beginning his illustrious career in the 1960s as a skilled sound recordist and multifaceted director/cinematographer for the esteemed New Zealand National Film Unit.
John's professional journey took a significant turn when he relocated to Sydney, Australia, where he embarked on a new chapter in his career by accepting a role as a news cameraman with the renowned Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
John's professional journey took a significant turn in the 1970s, as he made the decision to relocate to Singapore, a move that would prove to be a pivotal moment in his career.
Upon his arrival in Singapore, John joined Pearl & Dean Productions, a reputable production company that offered a diverse range of projects, including commercials, documentaries, and television shows.
As a director and cameraman, John had the opportunity to work on a variety of productions, filming in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in the process.
His next career move took him to Hong Kong, where he collaborated with Salon Films as a director/cameraman and second unit cameraman on the Universal Pictures production of "That Man Bolt".
This project marked an exciting milestone in John's career, as he worked alongside a talented team to bring this thrilling story to life.
John's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Interfilm, a thriving commercial production company, during the 1980s. Throughout this period, he demonstrated his exceptional skill as a director, crafting numerous iconic ad campaigns that resonated with audiences in New Zealand.
As his creative endeavors continued to flourish, John embarked on an exciting new venture, joining forces with the renowned photographer Brian Brake to film a series of captivating documentaries in Indonesia. This collaboration allowed him to hone his skills in a new and challenging environment, while also exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Following this experience, John's career took him to Bangkok, Thailand, where he assumed the dual role of executive producer and director for Salon Films. For an entire year, he immersed himself in the vibrant cultural landscape of Bangkok, fostering new relationships and building upon his reputation as a masterful director.
John's professional endeavors in the United States encompassed a wide range of creative pursuits, with a significant portion of his work consisting of directing commercials for prominent clients, including Amtrak, McDonald's, and California Cheese. Furthermore, he took the initiative to establish Shadow Play Films, a production entity that allowed him to continue to excel in his craft, directing and photographing television commercials that showcased his exceptional skill and artistry.
John's impressive filmography boasts a significant number of feature films, with notable credits including the critically acclaimed "The Last Tattoo" and the spine-tingling "The Frighteners", which he had the privilege of co-directing alongside the renowned Peter Jackson.
Throughout his illustrious career, John has received widespread recognition and acclaim, garnering a plethora of prestigious awards and nominations for his outstanding work. Among his many accolades, he has taken home the coveted Best Cinematography award for his masterful efforts on "The Last Tattoo", and has been nominated for numerous other honors, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and accomplished filmmaker.
John maintains a multifaceted career in the film industry, simultaneously serving as a visionary filmmaker, a meticulous producer, and a skilled scriptwriter, while also holding esteemed memberships in the prestigious Directors Guild of America and the renowned New Zealand Cinematographers Society.
