Nick McKinless is a director whose work uses genre and physical pressure to reveal character and consequence. His background in action design informs a restrained, performance-led approach that prioritises behaviour and clarity over spectacle.
His short film FAITH received international recognition, winning multiple awards including Best Action Sequence at the Action on Film Festival, and established his ability to integrate action as storytelling rather than display.
Nick went on to direct the feature film TAKE COVER, starring Alice Eve and Scott Adkins, which achieved strong critical response and international streaming success following a limited theatrical release.
He is currently developing and producing a slate of film and television projects, with a focus on contained, character-driven genre stories designed to travel globally.
Ralph Fiennes - Oscar Nominated Actor
“I thought the cinematography, lighting and pacing were really impressive. I can’t remember when I last saw such an extended and compelling fight sequence. The visceral intensity of the fight was quite disturbing but then had its surprising moments of humour that I loved. Bravo”
TAKE COVER trailer
TAG HEUER Spec Commercial
Little Kingdom
FAITH trailer
Reviews
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You could argue there's almost no one better to helm an action film with awesome fight scenes than someone who has been working in stunts for years. Director Nick Mckinless (Fast X, Gangs of London) has some amazing credentials and the action sequences in Take Cover are clearly choreographed by someone who knows and loves the genre.
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All in all, Take Cover is another solid notch on Scott’s action film arsenal. Adkins delivers a layered performance and goes all out as he always does in a horde of heart pumping action beats that showcase why he is the best of the best. While Adkins takes a few chances here with the role, he still makes sure that his loyal fans will get what they paid for with signature Adkins action and gravity defying theatrics as only he can undertake.
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There’s no doubt that talented snipers are a valuable part of any military apparatus, but how does one make a film about them? Most of what they do is sit around and wait. Nick McKinless’ latest caper addresses this by pairing its snipers up with spotters, creating a tight professional bond which resembles the core of the buddy cop movie. In Scott Adkins and Jack Parr, who previously starred together in 2021’s One Shot, he has found actors who enjoy a similar chemistry in real life, and it pays dividends.
