From its inauguration in a small café in 1993, John nurtured and grew Sony Tropfest into a national event which is now also considered the world's largest short film festival. During its infant years, John combined organising the festival with his flourishing acting career and directing career.

John has received a myriad of acting accolades, including nominations for his work in "Blood Oath" and "Barlow and Chambers". He was the joint winner of the Film Critics' Circle award for best supporting actor in "The Sum of Us" and won the AFI Best Supporting Actor Award for his role in "The Boys". In 1997, the Australian Film Institute (AFI) awarded John the Byron Kennedy Award for his contribution to the Australian film industry.