Portrait of John Banas

John Banas

Writing

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.

Place of Birth: Wellington, New Zealand

Filmography

2025
Packed Away

as Dad / Clown Dad

1989
E Street

as Zoran

1987
Rafferty's Rules

as Ken Bascomb

1982
Bad Blood

as Macko Hager

1982
Battletruck

as Reuben

1974