John was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and then immigrated with his family to Houston, Texas, where he grew up. He then attended Northwestern University, earning a combined degree in Theatre and Radio/TV/Film. After 13 years in Chicago, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he focused on creating main titles, network graphics, and, eventually, rock concerts. He's now a resident of New York City.

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John is trained as a theatrical lighting designer, and spent more than twenty years working in television and film. He's now focused on finding ways to bring live performance and digital media together.