John Besmer

John Besmer has been writing almost as long as he's been fishing, which is to say, forever. A degree in journalism/advertising at the University of Wisconsin-Madison led to a number of prolific years on the ad agency circuit, which sharpened his chops and also his longing for something more. In 1995 he bid the agency world goodbye and joined Planet as writer and creative director. Later that year, Besmer joined Planet founders Dana Lytle and Kevin Wade as Planet's third principal.

Besmer has served as creative director on numerous Planet accounts including JanSport, Polaris Snowmobiles, and Target. These days, Besmer is focused on overseeing Planet's motion efforts, which include all film, video, motion graphics, and animation. He also drives Planet?s film division, P Star Pictures. Besmer's short film "Lifelike" has screened at festivals around the country and was awarded Best Narrative Short at the Wisconsin Film Festival, as well as the Platinum Remi at Houston's Worldfest. His screenplays have been recognized in numerous national and international competitions.

In his spare time, Besmer's obsessions include fishing and making his two sons laugh until they have to lean against the wall to keep from falling down.