John was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. Since receiving an optical illusions kit as a child, he has been fascinated by the influence of light and reflection on the human eye. He adapted a 1930’s radio play for the stage and directed the production and, while attending McGill University, he joined the McGill Film Society where his interest in film grew. 

Upon receiving his BA, John worked in media communications and later helped develop a communications system, which utilises a visual display technique. In 2011 his short film The Interview received an honourable mention at the LA Script and Film Festival and won at the Honolulu Film Awards. That same year, John was accepted onto the London Film School MA programme. 

His graduation film, Brood or Thought, explores the nature of social dynamics in an unconventional family.