Thanks John

As many of you know, John played an important role in the journey of ShowNews. Not, as some assumed, by owning it or controlling it, but simply with encouragement and support. We had our differences at times, but he always made sure I had the final say. I’ll especially miss our weekly chats, where he would share what he’d heard around the industry and offer up an opinion. Not one other person has ever done that.

I’ve known John since the early 80’s, however back in 2017, I saw that John was being interviewed for the Changemaker series. I thought it would be worth capturing, so I asked if it was okay. They agreed, and I quickly pulled together a few GoPros and iPhones. The video I created is below.

When John later watched it, he saw in the Showtools Community Page, something that the NZ Screen Industry needed – a publication. From that moment on, he became a vital supporter of ShowNews, not through money, but through advice, encouragement and guidance. His input was priceless, and a huge part of getting ShowNews to where it is today.

He helped me, just like he has helped countless others in the Screen Industry.

From now on, I know I’ll be forever asking myself: “What would John do here?”

Rest in peace John Barnett and thank you.