Biography
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.
Wrote 24
2020s
- 2024
The Lost Boys of Dilworth
Script Editor
- 2023
- 2022
Destination Love
Writer
- 2021
Love Knots
Writer
- 2020
Toke
Writer
2010s
- 2019
Ablaze
Writer
Straight Forward
Writer
- 2018
Kiwi
Writer
In a Flash
Writer
- 2017
Resolve
Writer
- 2016
Pike River
Writer
Bombshell
Screenplay
- 2015
The Monster of Mangatiti
Writer
How to Murder Your Wife
Writer
- 2012
Siege
Writer
Safe House
Writer
Tricky Business
Writer
- 2011
Underbelly NZ: Land of the Long Green Cloud
Writer
2000s
- 2005
1990s
- 1998
- 1996
1980s
- 1989
Acted in 7
2020s
- 2025
Packed Away
Dad / Clown Dad
1980s
- 1989
- 1987
- 1983
Nearly No Christmas
Patch
- 1982
Bad Blood
Macko Hager
1970s
- 1974
Phone
Movie
Directed 5
2010s
- 2015
Venus and Mars
Director
1990s
- 1997
Mirror, Mirror II
Director
- 1995
Mirror, Mirror
Director
1980s
- 1989
- 1988
Emma: Queen of the South Seas
Director
Created 3
2020s
- 2024
2010s
- 2019
Straight Forward
Creator
2000s
- 2007
Produced 1
1980s
- 1989