John Menier specializes in visual and performing arts documentaries that focus on the creative process and its participants. Noteworthy productions include:
Trampling Out the Vintage, an historical/biographical documentary about John Steinbeck and The Grapes of Wrath.
San Diego Opera Spotlight and San Diego OperaTalk!, two long-running series co-produced with San Diego Opera.
Tan Dun’s Ghost Opera and John Adams: A Precise Process, both co-produced with La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest.
Necessary Theatre, a thirteen-part series of interviews with noted Chicano/Chicana theatre artists.
What Creativity Means, a five-part series which brings together middle school students and world music artists.
Orchestra Nova: Celebrations, a documentary exploring the creative evolution of San Diego’s premiere chamber music ensemble.
Two Emmy-winning collaborations with Malashock Dance, The Soul of Saturday Night and Love & Murder.
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus: Philip Glass/Cello Concerto, also awarded a regional Emmy.
Additionally, John’s work has garnered numerous Telly and Aurora awards for excellence in broadcasting. He holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, has worked as a freelance media professional in Los Angeles and several Midwestern markets, and has taught college courses in film and video production.
Recent and Ongoing Productions
San Diego Opera Artists’ Roundtable
Contact John Menier: jmenier@ucsd.edu