David Mackay's life journey began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he spent his formative years engaging in various activities, including waterskiing, selling rainbow ice cream at the state fair, and collecting 35mm cameras.
He furthered his education by attending Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Mackay then ventured to the University of Southern California (USC) to pursue a Master's degree in film production, maintaining an impressive grade point average throughout his studies.
Despite the emphasis on creative output rather than academic performance in film school, Mackay's half-hour thesis film, PROVIDENCE, gained significant recognition by premiering at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The film's exposure was undoubtedly enhanced by the appearance of Keanu Reeves and one of his iconic Indian motorcycles. PROVIDENCE went on to win the Best Picture award at the Television Academy's student awards.
Following his film school days, Mackay worked as a camera operator and Director of Photography before making his directorial debut with the family film BREAKING FREE, which was acquired by Disney in 1995. He subsequently reunited with his film school friends and collaborators to produce and direct THE LESSER EVIL, a suspense thriller featuring an ensemble cast, including Arliss Howard, Tony Goldwyn, David Paymer, Colm Fiore, and Adam Scott. The film received widespread acclaim at numerous film festivals and was eventually acquired by MGM for domestic distribution.
Throughout his career, Mackay has had the privilege of directing and producing a diverse range of films, including the sentimental TEN INCH HERO. His extensive filmography also includes romantic comedies, Hallmark movies, mysteries, and thrillers, often featuring respected actors in key roles.
Currently, Mackay is working on a multitude of projects, with approximately 20 ventures in various stages of development. As his career continues to unfold, it will be intriguing to see what the future holds for this accomplished filmmaker.
