John Whitney

Producer/Director/Writer

  

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, John spent much of his youth at the CBS affiliate WHIO, where his father was a reporter and weatherman.  His early exposure to television production is what pointed him to the path that he ultimately chose filmmaking.  One of John’s early loves was basketball.  He played in high school and continued playing at Sinclair Community College in Dayton.  After his two year stint in college athletics, John enrolled at The Ohio State University where he studied film until 1988.


After film school, John entered the Columbus production market where one of his first jobs was an assistant video director for the NFL’s World League football franchise, The Ohio Glory.  Around the same time, John was accepted the position of Director/Producer for a small production house, Production Partners, where he was in charge if producing commercials for local cable television.  He soon entered the freelance market where, over the years, he rose through the ranks in production going from a PA to Gaffer and DP, working on local and regional spots and television.  Although he was making a living in his chosen field, John still had a desire to be in the director’s chair.  Working on the projects of others was fine, but he wanted to be the creative force behind things.  So in 2001, John decided to pursue directing full time. 


Since then, John has been at the helm of music videos as well as commercials and short and feature films.  He has directed the short films, Solve for X, A Family Matter, and The Mission.  Two of his films, A Passion for Filmmaking and The Fixer, have aired on the Independent Film Channel as part of their ongoing original series, IFC Media Lab. John co-wrote and co-directed the feature film, HORRORS OF WAR, which is in worldwide release through Los Angeles based Hollywood Wizard.  HORRORS OF WAR was released in North America late 2007 through Maverick Entertainment.


John’s current project, SOLVE FOR X, is a feature length film based on the characters from his original short from 2001, and is in active development.  Written by veteran screenwriter, Bill Farmer, the film chronicles the beginnings of the career of a mob enforcer.


John works as a director and editor and lives in Columbus with his wife Jen and their 9-year-old son, Kirk.


Awards and Accomplishments

- Best of IFC Media Lab in March, 2007 for The Fixer
- “Chris Award” for the highest achievement in entertainment
   2006 Columbus International Film Festival
- “Best Short Film” for SOLVE FOR X, 2004 Nebula Film Festival

  1. -“Best Cinematography” for SOLVE FOR X, 2004 Nebula Film Festival


Filmography

SOLVE FOR X (in development) - Director, Writer (story)

MEASURED SACRIFICE (2008, HD short film) ‡กใ Director, Writer, Editor

A FAMILY MATTER (2007, short film) - Writer, Director, Editor, Producer

THE FIXER (2007, short film) - Writer, Director, Editor, Producer

SERVED COLD (2007, 35mm short film) - Editor

A PASSION FOR FILMMAKING (2006, short) - Writer, Director, Producer, Editor

MRS. STEVENS HEARS THE MERMAIDS SINGING (2004) - Cinematographer

GREEN CARD FEVER (2003) - Gaffer

SOLVE FOR X (2001, 35mm short) - Writer, Director

 

Arbor Avenue Films Principals - John Whitney

Phil Garrett
producer
writer

Sean Reid
producer
director
writer

John Whitney
producer
director
writer

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