Profile

John has just returned from Sendai, Japan where he had been living for the past 7 years directing and producing a children's animated and live action series called GrapeSEED.  Now seen in 16 countries, GrapeSEED's 15 x 30min "Multi-format Series" mixes high quality 3D and 2D animated stories with live action. The live acton portion features a cast of young actors who perform in comical skits and music videos with singing and choreographed dance.  GrapeSEED is the first series of its kind developed to teach English as a second language to children throughout the world.

The 7 year production of GrapeSEED was also unique in that it had 3D Animation, 2D Animation and Live Action teams working simultaneously producing reoccurring and one-off segments for each 30 minute episode.  John directed and produced each of these segments. 

With a hands-on approach to story development, directing actors, creative teams and animators through music composition and final delivery, John's comedic sensibility and eye for detail can be seen throughout the GrapeSEED series.  

Previous to GrapeSEED, John was a creative director and co-owner of 3Degrees, inc. in West Hollywood, CA. 

At 3Degrees, John and his partners produced animation and motion graphic design packages for display on Jumbotron monitors during concert tours and live events.   He was responsible for creating quality video content for high profile entertainers including:  Metallica, Ozzy Osborne’s Ozzfest, U2, NSync, Britney Spears, Will Smith, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Don Henley, Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park, Mystikal, Enrique Iglesias, Sammy Hagar & David Lee Roth, Marc Anthony, Melissa Etheridge, Pink, Celine Dion, and Brian McKnight.

Before joining 3Degrees, John started his career as a Character Animator and Digital Artist working on Feature Films, Commercials, Music Videos and Episodic Television.