Rob McKinnon, a Boston native, hails from the esteemed Boston University, where he earned a degree in film and broadcasting with academic distinction, graduating cum laude. This multi-faceted individual has established a notable reputation within the film industry, boasting a rich and diverse range of creative skills. As a writer, director, and composer, he has garnered critical acclaim, including a prestigious silver Telly award. Throughout his illustrious career, McKinnon has had the privilege of directing numerous major corporate and commercial film and video productions.
Following the completion of his academic pursuits at Boston University, a prestigious fellowship opportunity arose, allowing McKinnon to further develop his communication studies at the esteemed University of Texas at Austin. Nevertheless, he opted to forego this esteemed academic endeavor in favor of acquiring practical, real-world experience. As a result, he secured a position with KTBC-TV in Austin, where he rose through the ranks to assume the role of head writer. In this capacity, he worked in close proximity to the station's owner, the distinguished President Lyndon Baines Johnson, and ultimately became the head of the Creative Department, overseeing and directing a diverse array of projects.
Noted film director, McKinnon has consistently dedicated his professional endeavors to the cinematic medium, while also diversifying his creative pursuits by venturing into scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing. His impressive body of work has encompassed a range of dramatic projects for Texas television, including a collection of award-winning films that have garnered widespread acclaim for their gripping portrayals of organized crime in the Lone Star State.
In addition to his directorial efforts, McKinnon has leveraged his innate musical abilities by crafting original scores for numerous films, further demonstrating his multifaceted artistic talents.
A multifaceted individual, McKinnon dedicated himself to honing his directing abilities by being an active member of the Screen Actors Guild (S.A.G.) for an extended period, allowing him to gain valuable experience in the industry. During this time, he made appearances in numerous prominent made-for-television movies, showcasing his acting prowess in productions such as "Without Warning: The James Brady Story" and "A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story". Additionally, McKinnon expanded his professional horizons by hosting and co-producing a 3-hour morning drive time talk show on Houston's AM-1070 KENR radio, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to various mediums.
In the mid-1990s, McKinnon embarked on a pioneering venture, co-founding Pure Horror Films, Inc. alongside Jolene McMaster, a company dedicated to crafting psychologically complex and suspenseful horror films within the heart of Texas, with a commitment to modest budgets that never exceeded the five-million-dollar mark.
As the years progressed, McKinnon's creative endeavors continued to unfold, ultimately leading him to take the helm as director of the chilling horror/thriller "Mr. Hell" in 2004, a project that boasted the talented Tracy Scoggins in a starring role.
After an extended period of meticulous planning and preparation, McKinnon has shifted his attention towards bringing his own unique creative vision to life by producing a script of his own, titled "Creek County", under the auspices of his film production company, Pure Horror Films.
