This story was originally published on The Spinoff.
Duncan Greive: ‘An extraordinary sense for what makes a compelling story’
It’s hard to wrap your mind around the contribution of John Barnett to New Zealand’s culture and media. It’s hard to even define his role, such was the vast extent of his influence. One friend describes him as a creative producer, which is true – he saw the kernel of opportunity and willed it into being, was not shy with an opinion but also had an extraordinary eye for talent, and knew how to deploy it. Yet it also is not nearly all he was.
His best-known public face was as the producer or executive producer of innumerable screen productions, most famously Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale, Shortland St, Outrageous Fortune, Whale Rider and Sione’s Wedding. It is genuinely unimaginable to think of our film and TV cultures without his contribution.
