Robert Tinnell

Director & actor · born 27 April 1961 · Fairmont, West Virginia, USA

Robert Tinnell is an American filmmaker, writer, producer, and graphic novelist from Fairmont, West Virginia. Growing up in north-central West Virginia, Tinnell developed a passion for storytelling and classic genre films, particularly horror, which would strongly influence the direction of his career. His early interest in cinema led him to work across multiple facets of the industry, from producing music videos to directing feature films and later branching into the world of comics and graphic novels. Over time, he has become known as a versatile storyteller whose work bridges film, literature, and visual art.

As a filmmaker, Tinnell is best recognized for directing projects that blend fantasy, horror, and heartfelt character drama. His feature Kids of the Round Table (1995) reimagined Arthurian legend through the eyes of children, while Frankenstein and Me (1996) paid direct homage to classic horror cinema. In Frankenstein and Me, he recreated iconic sets and sequences inspired by films such as Brides of Dracula and Night of the Living Dead, showcasing his deep reverence for horror history. The film went on to earn him the Best Director award at Fantasporto and remains a fan favorite, in part because it marked one of Ryan Gosling’s earliest feature film appearances. Tinnell later directed films such as Believe (2000) and produced music videos, including Paula Abdul’s MTV award-winning hit “Straight Up,” further establishing his reputation as a creative with a wide skill set.

Where to start: Charles Wesley Godwin - Stage AE Documentary (2023).