Actor / Director Profile

Born in Chelmsford, England, John was educated at King Edward VI Grammar School where he joined the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and Corps of Drums culminating in a year as Senior Army Cadet and a year as Drum Major.In 1996 John was Commissioned as an Officer in the British Army after attending The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served as a Mechanised Infantry Platoon Commander (Warrior and AFV432) and subsequently as Battalion Training Officer (responsible for co-ordinating and running training exercises for over 600 personnel) with the Second Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment in the UK (including the Combined Arms Training Centre), Germany and Cyprus (during the 'T-1000 Missile Crisis').His military skills include: Weapons-Handling, Drill Instruction, Fieldcraft, Tactics, OBUA (Operations in Built-Up Areas), Combat First-Aid and CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation), NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Warfare), TESEX (Tactical Engagement Simulation Exercises), Command and Orders Techniques and MOI (Method of Instruction). He also completed the Progressive Fighting Technique Course with the Royal Marine Commandos; undertook a Parachute Regiment Familiarisation Course in Aldershot; spent time with the Royal Artillery learning Gunnery and Air Defence techniques; and has an extensive knowledge of military history.He is a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Judo and fully qualified Self-Defence and Unarmed Combat Instructor as well as CCPR (Central Council of Physical Recreation) and ASPT (Army School of Physical Training) qualified sports coach.John spent three years studying at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, University of London, graduating with an Upper Second Class BA Honours Degree in English. During this time he helped train and develop potential young Army Officers as an instructor with the University of London Officer Training Corps.After working with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks on "Band of Brothers" (2001) for the duration of the whole shoot, John and several ex-military colleagues formed the agency Universal Combat to provide military advice and support to the entertainment industry. The company has since provided advice and personnel to numerous films, TV shows, video games, commercials and live events as well as forging strong links with film industry armourers and security companies.A full member of UK Equity, John is also a trained actor (having attained numerous external qualifications from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and regularly appears in front of camera as well as in stage productions (including a tour of Western Australia with a play he co-devised).Having gained several years experience in the film industry, he turned his hand to writing and producing and has worked closely with and learned from some renowned film industry professionals including most notably the Producer Ron Purdie. His production company Angry Badger Pictures is based at Shepperton Studios, England.In his spare time, John is a keen sportsman (having fenced sabre and foil to a high standard and often competing in martial arts events); and, as an accomplished Grade 8 musician, he regularly unwinds by playing and singing rhythm and blues gigs in live venues around England!