John Banas

John Banas


in Wellington, New Zealand
John Banas is a New Zealander writer, director, actor and teacher who has, for over forty years, worked extensively in New Zealand, Australia and the United States. He began as an actor, writer and director in Kiwi theatre during the 1970s, Banas increasingly focused on dramatic writing for television from the 80s on. After relocating to Australia, he established himself as a prolific TV screenwriter with a string of iconic shows, including Blue Heelers and City Homicide. His many New Zealand scripts include Bombshell and award-winning telemovies Siege and How to Murder Your Wife.

Movies for John Banas...

Title: E Street
Character: Zoran
Released: January 24, 1989
Type: TV
An Australian television soap opera, set in a tough fictional inner-city district called Westside. The stories revolve around the local community there. Created by Forrest Redlich and produced by Network Ten from 24 January 1989 to 13 May 1993.
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Strata
Title: Strata
Character: Steve
Released: September 1, 1983
Type: Movie
The story means to develop through an uncovering of layers - strata. As writer Krumbachova stated: "With nature as a prison, an impassable barrier ... where every action is physically and psychically limited by the environment ... people are reduced to fragments of basic instinct and intelligence." Promoted as a psychological thriller, Strata provides little tension nor any real climax. The characters are ideas - not believably real.
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Bad Blood
Title: Bad Blood
Character: Macko Hager
Released: November 12, 1982
Type: Movie
During World War 2, a farmer in New Zealand murders seven people. The police, along with local Maori trackers, hunt him in the bush country.
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Warlords of the 21st Century
Title: Warlords of the 21st Century
Character: Reuben
Released: January 1, 1982
Type: Movie
It's the 21st century, the Oil Wars have made a mess of the planet and the land outside major cities is lawless. After Hunter comes to the aid of Corlie, who has run away from the villainous Straker, he takes her to the peaceful community of Clearwater. Unfortunately for the citizens of Clearwater, Straker fully intends to get Corlie back.
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Phone
Title: Phone
Released: July 7, 1974
Type: Movie
A primer on proper phone manners produced for the New Zealand Post Office.