Biography  
 

 

 

John Haratzis is one of Australia’s leading scenic artists. For the past thirty years John has worked with leading designers to deliver scenic art in a large range of predominately entertainment and commercial contexts.  

Scenic art is a crucial component to filmmaking: the creation of temporary environments that have, on camera, the appearance of complete permanence. John has expertly delivered this skill to A List Hollywood productions, such as The Matrix, Mask 2, Anna and the King as well as local productions like To have and To Hold and Wildside (TV).Siam Sunset, Hotel De Love etc Private clients include  Russell and Danielle Crowe and Bill Manos etc. Company clients include Sony, Chanel ,Mercedes ,Myer ,David Jones, Motorola and Nokia etc.  

John Haratzis is a highly erudite artist capable of creating everything from photo realistic urban environments to perfect facsimiles of the renaissance masters, Raphael, Michelangelo and others.  

John’s scenic art capacities are firmly integrated with the digital design systems of major architecture and interior design firms. His use of software such as AutoCAD enables the seamless integration of his art with the larger architectural design rationale.  

The scale of the work John produces varies from large-scale, over billboard size, to the very small and fragile. He can create trompl’oel effects (trick the eye by means of false perspective) that are so convincing that they need to be touched to check that they are indeed false.  

In 2007 John took on the challenge of creating a diverse range of children’s rides and experiential spaces housed in an amusement centre called Clown Town and Code Red.. It was the first of a chain of such venues planned for Sydney.

 

 
 

Feature Films 

Date Title Designer/Art Director Production Company
       
2013 The Water Diviner (Head Scenic) Chris Kennedy  
2012 Tracks (Head Scenic) Melinda Doring  
2012 The Babadook (Head Scenic) Alex Holmes  
2006 Spiked Up (Prod. Designer) John Haratzis Kojo Pictures
2005 The Fairies (Prod. Designer) John Haratzis Fairies Pty. Ltd.
2004 Azardi (Prod. Designer) John Haratzis Ant House Films
2002 Matrix I & 2 (Head Scenic) Owen Paterson Warner Bros.
2001 Australian Rules (Head Scenic) Steven Jones Evans Tidy Town Pictures
2000 Queen of the Damned Graham "Gracie" Walker Warner Bros./ DQ Prods.
1999 Serenades (Head Scenic) Colin Gibson Westside Prods.
1999 Anna & the King Luciana Arrighi 20th. Century Fox
1999 Silkier (Head Scenic) Reta Zanchetta Bluestone Prods.
1998 Sample People Michelle Macay Independent
1998 Siam Sunset (Head Scenic) Steven Jones Evans Artist Services
1998 The Missing (Head Scenic) Chris Kennedy Momentium Films
1998 Sally Marshall is not an Alien (Head Scenic) Reta Zanchetta Independent
1997 Amy (Head Scenic) John Dowding Parker/Tass Prods.
1996 Diana & Me (Head Scenic) John Dowding Caroll Prods.
1996 Heaven's Burning (Head Scenic) Vicky Nehus Independent
1996 Hotel De Love (Head Scenic) Brian Dusting Paramount
1995 To Have and to Hold (Head Scenic) Chris Kennedy Small Man Prods.
1995 Small Fictions (Prod. Designer) John Haratzis Independent
1995 Shine (Head Scenic) Vicky Nehus Momentium Films
1994 La Troditionale (Prod. Designer) John Haratzis Independent
1994 Epsilon Rolf de Herr Independent
1993 Napoleon (Head Scenic) Vicky Nehus Fury Feature Films
1990 Golden Fiddles (Head Scenic) George Liddle SAFC
1989 Struck by Lightning (Head Scenic) Peta Lawson SAFC
1989 Australias (Head Scenic) Herbert Westbrook Les Films De La Dreve S.C.
1987 The Dreaming (Head Scenic) Michael Ralf Genesis Prods.
1987 Incident at Ravens Gate (Head Scenic) Judith Russell Acquabay Films
1986 Pals Chris Kennedy Independent
1986 The Time Guardian George Liddle Chateau Prods.
1985 Birdsville George Liddle PBL Prods.
1985 Playing Beatie Bow George Liddle SAFC
1984 Fair Game Kim Hilder Southern Cross Films
1983 Robbery Under Arms George Liddle SAFC
1983 Run Chissie Run Herbert Pinter SAFC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
 

Television Films, Mini-Series, Animations

Date Title Designer/Art Director Production Company
 
2013 Danger Five Chris Jobson SBS
2013 Anzac Girls   Scott Bird  ABC
2013 Sam Fox Extreme adventures Tony Crohnan 7 Network
2011 Packed to the Rafters Sam Rickard 7 Network
2010 Packed to the Rafters Sam Rickard 7 Network
2001 White Collar Blue Marcus North Steve Napman Prods.
2001 The Mother, Son, & the Socialite Paddy Readon Village Roadshow
1997 Home Shopping Mike Thomas 9 Network
1997 Here's Humphrey Rita Zanchetta Banksia Prods.
1997 Wildside Steven Jones Evans ABC Drama
1996 Territorians Ross Majors Brunning Films
1994 Glad Rags Vicky Nehus Nomad Films
1993 Ebtide Ross Majors Genesis Films
1993 The Battlers Richard Roberts SAFC
1993 Australias' Most Wanted Reta Zanchetta Grundy
1990 Backsliding Ross Majors SAFC
1990 Catalyst Reta Zanchetta ABC
1990 Here's the Beat Reta Zanchetta ABC
1990 Shadows of the Heart Tel Stoffel SAFC
1990 Ultraman Michael Cusack Anifex
1990 Ultraman Andrew Blaxland SAFC
1989 The Museum of Here and Now Reta Zanchetta ABC
1989 Ticklepot John Haratzis ABC
1989 CHED Reta Zanchetta ABC
1989 Scorpio Lisa Brennin PBL
1989 Grim Pickings George Liddle SAFC
1988 Kids Tee Vee John Blackman 7 Network
1988 Outback Bound Egor Nay CBS
1987 Captain Johnno Vicky Nehus Ballintine Prods.
1989 Aarons Way "The Harvest" Ross Majors Lorimar Prods.
1987 9 News Chris Budrys 9 Network
1987 The Great Detective Story Richard Chatterway Anifex
1986 The Shiralee Kristian Fredrikson SAFC
1986 Pals Chis Kennedy Ballentine
1986 Willing & Able Michael Ralph 9 Network
1986 The Last Fronter Brian Edmonds McElroy McElroy
1986 Joe Wilson Herbert Pinter Joe Wilson Prods.
1985 Cyclone Tracey Stewart Burnside PBL
1985 Body Business Stewart Burnside PBL
1984 Waltzing Matilda Richard Chatterway Anifex
 
     
 
Television Commercials
 
Date Title Designer/Art Director Production Company
       
2014 MLC Steven Jones Evans  
2011 Stratco Bev Freeman Piper Films
2011

Estee Lauder

Tim Piper Silver screen Prods.
2010   Domio George Liddle Wild Sets
2009 Toyota Round/Up Peter Baxter Good Oil Films
2008 Myer  Autumn Winter shoot  Margret Merton  Emporium Magazine
2006 David Jones Xmas characters  Daniel Burns CFX
2005 Yates Daniel Burns Manifesto Films
2003 Nikki Webster Jungle Book 2 Mark Hartley Famous by Tuesday
2002 Nutrasweet Sally Campbell Radical Media
2002 Robot Designs B.K.I. Oz Cam Productions
2002 Harris Scarfes Ltd John Haratzis Digital Imaging
2000 Star City Casino George Liddle Silver Screen
1997 S G I C John Axe Anifex
1997 Kellogg’s Sahara Vicky Nehus Anifex
1996 Holden Vicky Nehus Anifex
1995 Toblerone S E Asia John Axe Anifex
1995 West End Brewery Vicky Nehus Anifex
1995 Berri Juices Vicky Nehus Anifex
1995 Toblerone John Axe Anifex
1995 Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles John Axe Anifex
1995 Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles Greg Holfield Anifex
1995 X Lotto John Haratzis Anifex
1995 Liptons Vicky Nehus Anifex
1995 Hall's Heavenly Reta Zanchetta Great Southern Films
1995 S B S Movie Show David Stratton S B S
1995 Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles Ashley Studio Management
1995 T D K Chris Budrys Studio Management
1995
Mitsubishi
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1995
Special K
Ashley
Studio Management
1994
Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles
Richard Chattaway
Anifex
1994
X Lotto Tombstone
John Axe
Anifex
1994
Stama Run
Jeff Robertson
Clemenger
1994
Toyota Tiffany's
Danial Burns
Fontana Films
1994
Listamint
Jason Scepsi Silver Lining Prods
1994
Gas Co
Anne Brown
Clemenger BBDO
1994
Myers Grace Bros
Ross Major
Great Southern Films
1994
Sunshine
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1994
Fruche
John Axe
Anifex
1994
Mathuselah
Andrew Plummer
Great Southern Films
1993
Home Hardware
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1993
State Bank
Dena Ashbourne
The Film Business
1993
MacDonalds Marilyn
Bob Hill
Film Graphics
1993
Tasmanian Tourist Commission
John Axe
Anifex
1993 Mitsubishi Germany
Vicky Nehus
Silver Screen Prods
1993
State Bank Solid Rock
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1993
State Bank Super
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1993
John Martins
Suzi Flanagan
Young & Rubicam
1993
X Lotto
John Axe
Anifex
1992
Snappy Tom Foreign Legion
Wendy Dixon
Studio Management
1992 X Lotto
John Axe
Anifex
1992 X Lotto Reta Zanchetta Great Southern Films
1992 X Lotto Reta Zanchetta Great Southern Films
1992
Charade
John Haratzis
Video
1992
Olympic Promotions
June Taylor
Channel 7
1992
John Martins
Suzi Flanagan
Young & Rubicam
1992
Mc Cains
Max Pepper
Peppers Studios
1992
A C I
Max Pepper
Peppers Studios
1992
A C I
Max Pepper
Peppers Studios
1992
Mitsubishi
Jeff Robinson
Pond Rice Ogilvy & Mather
1992
Yalumba
Drew Lenman
Lenman Connell
1991
O P S M 
Peter Adams
Lenman Connell
1991
C B A Bank
Michael Ralph
Studio Management
1991
Kellogg’s
Bob Hill
Studio Management
1991
Co Op Building Society
Ernie Clark
Great Southern Films
1991
Simpson Dishwashers
Ernie Clark
Great Southern Films
1991
S G I C
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1990 Bradford Insulation
Michael Ralph
Studio Management
1990
Mocca Chocolate
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1990
Coffins
John Haratzis
Lenman Connell
1989
Kleen Gas
Ernie Clark
Great Southern Films
1989
State Bank of  S A
Vicky Nehus
Lone Star
1989
Gas Company
Vicky Nehus
Lone Star
1988
Californian Walnuts
Richard Chatterway
Great Southern Films
1988
State Bank of  S A
Vicky Nehus
Great Southern Films
1988
Sports Girl
Vicky Nehus
Great Southern Films
1988
Classic Chocolate
Vicky Nehus
Great Southern Films
1988
State Tourism of  S A
Vicky Nehus
Great Southern Films
1988
Woodies Beverages
Vicky Nehus
Great Southern Films
1988
Ballantines Whiskey
George Liddle
Ian McDonald Prods
1988
Every Body Shake
Vicky Nehus
Great Southern Films
1987
Yoplait
Anne Browning
Great Southern Films
1987
Wunderlich's
Richard Chatterway
Anifex
1987
Stratco
Bob Pratt
Directors
1987
Scratch 'n' Match
Bob Pratt
Directors
1986
Shell Ultra
George Liddle
Ian McDonald Prods
1986
Pop Tarts George Liddle Ian McDonald Prods
1986 Sea Shanties
George Liddle
Ian McDonald Prods
1986
Continental Cuppa Soup
George Liddle
Ian McDonald Prods
1986
Datsun Pulsar
John Haratzis
Sprouse & Robinson
1986
Toyota
John Haratzis
Film Effect Co.
1985
State Bank of  S A
Bob Pratt
Directors
1985
Adelaide Hindmarsh Building Soc.
Ernie Clark Directors
1985
Invest A Quid Steven Smith Wes Prods
 
     
 
 
Commissions, Private work and Theatre
 
Date Title Venue/Function Production Company
       
2012 Cragmore Church

Alex Simeonovic

SA Signs
2012 Grange Dental Clinic Dental Clinic Damir Culic
2011  Bow Hill Lutheran Church Church Restoration   
2011 Awkward Bar Darlinghurst Cocktail Lounge Siren Design
2011 Sydney wildlife World Entertainment Venue Sydney wildlife World
2011 Painting/restoration Church Bowhill Lutheran
2008
"Watt Iff" Personal Exhibition JHD
2007 Code Red & Clown Town Children's Entertainment Centers JHD
2006 Nursery 2 Private Residence Russell Crowe
2004 Nursery 1 Private Residence Russell Crowe
2003
Vacillica-De-la Crowe
Church Russell Crowe>
2002
YSL Foyer Concept Retail CFX
2002
David Jones Xmas Merchandise Magic Cave, Window Displays, David Jones
2002
Everest Cafe
Restaurant
Basil Fermantzis
2000
Tromp le ole
Private Residence Pam Dunford
2000
Lord Mayoral Ball
Charity Ball
Peter & Paula Coward
2000
Jurlique Holdfast Shore Store
Retail & Beauty Therapy
Jurlique Pty Ltd
2000
Equus
Theatre
State Theatre Company
1999
Lone Stockman
Museum
R M Williams
1999
Lord Mayoral Ball
Charity Ball
Peter & Paula Coward
1998
Aztec Plate
Private Residence
Pam Dunford
1998
Life & Death Under the Pharaohs'
Museum Exhibition
Art Gallery of  South Australia
1998
Polar Kids Park
Children’s Theme Park
Polar Industries
1997
Foyer  Entrance
Private Residence
J & J Charlton
1997
Floating Woman
Private Residence
S Crafter
1997 Hallway Vineyard Private Residence N & T Douvartzidis
1997
Gary's House Theatre State Theatre Company
1997 Don's Party Theatre State Theatre Company
1997 Exploding Girls Dance Review Australian All Stars
1997 Don Pasquale Opera State Opera Company
1996 The Venetian Twins Theatre State Theatre Company
1996 Corporation Identification Restaurant National Fish Cafe
1996 Fields of Juice Fruit Juice Supplier Berrivale Daily Juice
1996 Shifting Hearts Theatre State Theatre Company
1996
Night on Bald Mountain
Theatre
State Theatre Company
1996
The One and All
Hotel & Gaming Venue
The Saint Vincent Hotel
1995
Much Melodies
Hotel & Gaming Venue
The Warradale Hotel
1995
Night Skies
Traveling Exhibition
N S W Astrological Society
1995
Outback Namatjira
Fashion Parade
Roh Cook
1995
Faces of the World
Travel Exhibition
Southern Pacific Hotels
1995
Sails in the Sky
Sydney Opera House
Esso Convention
1994
Corporation Identification
Studio & Set Const.
Illusions
1994
Egyptian Spa
Retail & Beauty Therapy
Blackwood Beauty therapy
1993
Painting Series
Restaurant & Reception
Gresham's Ramada
1993
Corporation Visuals
Holographical Sculptures
Australian Holographic
1993
Restaurant Identification
Restaurant
Grand Ramada
1993
Traveling Exhibition Catwalk Fashion Parade Australian Wool Board
1992 Artifact Exhibition Museum Constitutional Museum
1992 Corporation Identification Entertainment Venue Heaven
1992 Unangelical Ceilings Gaming Ceilings World Resort Malaysia
1992 Roman Decadence Private Residence B & L Manos
1992 Rocky Horror Picture Show Theatre Festival Theatre Trust
1992 42nd Street Theatre Festival Theatre Trust
1991 Buddy Holly Show Theatre Axwell Pty Ltd
1991 Retail Design Pharmacy John Koumi
1991 Frame Designs Exhibition Bonython Meadmore Galleries
1991 Artifact Exhibition Museum Constitutional Museum
1991 Interior Design Restaurant Lite Cafe
1991 Corporation Identification Travel Agency Kensington Travel
1991 Dri Glo Dickies Package Design Palm Beach Towels
1991 Dazzle Land Children’s Theme Park Myer Remm Retail
1990 Painting Series Restaurant Terrace Ramada
1990 Interior Theming Entertainment Venue Jackson on George
1989 Interior Displays Retail Movie Land
1989 Painting Series Restaurant Lounge Terrace Ramada
1989 Photo Enhancement Commercial Photo Lenman Connell & Acc.
1989 Corporation Identification Chartered Accountants Cosby Dalwood & Co.
1989 Corporation Identification Printers Graphic Services
1989 Corporation Identification Physiotherapists Norwood Parade Physio
1989 Interior Displays Entertainment Venue Luke's Wine Bar
1989 Corporation Identification Builders Ace Concreters
1989 Interior Theming Restaurant Estias
1988 Corporation Identification Retail Optometrists Dion Stansbury
1988 Artifact Exhibition Museum Constitutional Museum
1988 Interior Theming & Design Hair Dressers Brown's Hairdressers
1988 Grand Prix Ball Once a Year Ball Delta Agencies
1988 Interior Theming Restaurant Duthy's Two
1988 Interior Theming & Design Interpretive Center Wadlata 
1988 Interior Theming & Design Museum Maritime Museum
1988 Interior Displays Entertainment Venue Abbey Convention Center
1988 Photo Enhancement Poster Series Mad Max
1988 Interior Theming & Design Wholesale Showrooms Sheridan Sheets
1988 Interior Theming Entertainment Venue The Strand
1988 Corporation Identification Physiotherapists Arkaba Physiotherapy
1987 Corporation Identification & Design Airline Air Central Air
1987 Interior Displays Musicians Almost Human
1987 Interior Displays Interpretive Center Signal Point
1986 Band Together for Peace Artifact Washington Lane Studios
1986 Interior Theming Museum Maritime Museum
1985 Interior Theming & Design Entertainment Venue Le Rox
1984
Interior Theming & Design Entertainment Venue KoKlub Live
1984 Paintings Exhibition John Haratzis
1983 Penny's Place Theatre C P A