Meet the Visionary Creator Taking You Behind the Scenes of Life's Most Extraordinary Moments

Today we'd like to introduce you to one of television's hidden gems – John Bonny – a showrunner and producer whose work has taken viewers inside the world's busiest airports, NOAA’s hurricane-hunting aircraft, and even operating theaters during life-saving surgeries.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us about how you got started?

I started straight out of university, landing a job as a runner at the BBC Television Centre in London. I felt so lucky to be inside this huge, center of television production, where I suddenly found myself rubbing shoulders with famous faces and on the sets of the biggest television shows. Those early days were a whirlwind of opportunities. I started making documentaries but spent my weekends working on any show that would have me – from "Strictly Come Dancing" (known as "Dancing with the Stars" here in the US) to comedy series with the brilliant Armando Iannucci.

Some of my fondest memories come from being on the set of "The Jools Holland Show," the legendary music program. I'll never forget being on the studio floor during Pearl Jam's sound check, or up in the gallery watching Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd rehearsing. I also put in time on "The Weakest Link" – and yes, Anne Robinson is just as intimidating in person as she appears on screen!

Let's talk about your work. We'd love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you're most proud of or excited about.

After about a decade in television working my way through the ranks to become a producer and showrunner, my career took an unexpected turn when Ed Sayer, an Executive Producer I'd worked with who had become a commissioner at National Geographic, put me forward for a directing role on a series filming at Dubai Airport.

It was completely different from anything I'd done before – observational documentary capturing stories from all over the world's busiest international airport. I fell in love with the storytelling style, having to react to whatever unfolded in front of you. One moment that stands out was filming a passenger attempting to smuggle suitcases filled with live animals – snakes, pythons, monkeys, even a baby orangutan. It was heartbreaking to witness, but I knew I'd found my calling in observational documentaries.

That series, "Ultimate Airport Dubai," became National Geographic's most popular show at the time, reaching nearly 300 million viewers across 170 territories and translated into almost 50 languages. I think what makes my work distinctive is the focus on everyday heroes – the people working at airports, hospitals, or renovation sites who don't realize that what they do is actually remarkable.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?

I wouldn't call it luck so much as building relationships based on honesty and integrity. Almost every time I approach someone about filming – whether it's a company, organization, or celebrity – they've usually had a previous negative experience with someone who wasn't truthful or professional. I've built my reputation on establishing and maintaining trust with everyone we film.

That said, I've been incredibly fortunate to witness things most people never get to see. I've been with NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters studying America's most dangerous weather patterns, alongside the CDC when the first repatriation flight from Wuhan landed in the US before COVID hit our shores, and in British Army Chinook helicopters. These aren't just jobs – they're privileges that require responsibility.

What's been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?

Without question, working on "Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death" for Channel 5 in the UK. Being in operating theaters next to surgeons performing complex procedures like transplants, brain tumor removals, and critical heart surgeries was profoundly inspiring.

What affected me most was the courage of the patients. Filming them saying goodbye to loved ones, being wheeled into theater, and watching anesthesia take effect – knowing some had only slim chances of survival – I was constantly in awe of their fighting spirit. You realize you might be documenting someone's final words, which carries an enormous responsibility as a storyteller.

Any standout moments with celebrities or notable figures?

I made a series with Chef Gordon Ramsay called "The F Word" that I absolutely loved. We drove around the UK visiting different restaurants, with Gordon trying food everywhere we went. He and I got along wonderfully – always laughing and enjoying incredible meals. What many people don't realize is that beneath his tough TV persona, he's genuinely one of the best chefs on the planet and extremely kind.

Last year, I was having dinner with friends at one of his London restaurants on my birthday, and coincidentally, Gordon was there with his wife. He came over, made everyone laugh, then presented us with champagne and complimentary desserts for the whole table. That warmth doesn't always come across on screen.

What's next? Any big plans?

I've just wrapped a new series for HGTV called "Castle Impossible," following an American couple renovating a 16th-century chateau outside Paris. It's packed with drama, seemingly impossible challenges, plenty of humor, and spectacular renovations.

Looking ahead, I'm collaborating with James Blue, the former head of Smithsonian Channel and an Emmy-winning journalist. We're developing some exciting access documentaries, particularly in the space and aviation sectors. I feel incredibly lucky to be working with someone of his caliber – the man has ten Emmys! When we first video-called, I jokingly mentioned the impressive row of awards visible behind him, and he dryly replied, "That's only half of them." He's truly an inspiration.

How can our readers follow your work?

"Castle Impossible" premieres on HGTV on April 29th, so definitely check that out. And as for those space and aviation projects with James – well, stay tuned. I can't reveal details yet, but trust me when I say we've secured some phenomenal access. The best is yet to come!