John received his B.A. in Theater and American Studies from Yale University, where he studied acting and graduated with a Distinction in the Major before attending New York University's Graduate Film Program.
He wrote and directed two short films while at NYU. His first, "Shame No More" played at over 70 film festivals and sold to over ten countries in North America and Europe. His second film, "Slo-Mo" premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and went on to play Sundance before traveling the world, winning several awards and becoming a finalist for the 2003 Academy Awards. "Slo-Mo" was bought by HBO, PBS and the Sundance Channel.
Since graduating, John was signed to a three-picture writing deal at Miramax, and has also written screenplays for Universal Studios, Bruce Cohen ("American Beauty" and "Milk"), Alan Poul ("Six Feet Under") and Renee Zellweger. In addition, John has co-written and is directing "Kill Your Darlings," a film about the birth of the Beat movement with Killer Films ("Boy's Don't Cry" and "Far From Heaven") producing and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Elizabeth Olsen, Dane Dehaan, Jack Huston, Michael C Hall and Catherine Keener.
John was chosen in 2009 by "The Advocate" as one of their "Top 40 Under 40," and wrote and directed a PSA for the 2008 Presidential Election that was picked by CNN as one of their "Best Political Ads of the Year."
He has taught filmmaking and lectured at the University of Southern California, New York University, the New School and Yale University.
