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As president of worldwide production for Columbia Pictures, John Veitch oversaw the production of over 300 films. He also served with the executive branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for three decades. Veitch's entry into show business came from a suggestion from Alan Ladd that he try movie acting, a suggestion seconded by his wife, Sue, who met him during WWII when Veitch was hospitalized with a leg wound. After the war, Veitch went to Hollywood and landed bit parts in Stalag 13 and From Here to Eternity. Veitch turned to a behind-the-scenes career when he was named an executive assistant production manager for Columbia in 1961. Veitch survived various management upheavals at Columbia and by 1968 had been promoted to senior vice president. Veitch served in at least a dozen different management positions while at the studio. He also set up John Veitch Productions at Columbia in 1987, and produced a number of major pictures including Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) and Fly Away Home (1996). In 1987, he accepted an appointment as co-chairman for LG Pictures, a division of Lions Gate Entertainment.