Gino McKoy | |
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 Gino McKoy on the set of Lumina | |
| Born | Gino McKoy December 28, 1980 |
| Education | University of Toronto (HBA) |
| Occupation(s) | Film director, Film producer, Screenwriter, Singer, Songwriter, Record producer |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Known for |
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| Relatives | Hudson McKoy (father), Lynda McKoy (mother) |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Toronto, Canada |
| Genres | |
| Labels |
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Gino J.H. McKoy is a Trinidadian-born Canadian film director, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter. [1]
Born in Trinidad and raised in Canada, Gino McKoy grew up surrounded by music and business. His parents, Hudson and Lynda McKoy, were musicians, banking professionals, and founders of Goldove Entertainment. Following their path, McKoy entered the entertainment industry. [2] [1] In his childhood, he became interested in science fiction. [3]
McKoy majored in political science and studied world religions, focusing on Judaism and Christianity at the University of Toronto, where he also graduated. He also received classical music training. [4]
In 2006, McKoy released "Soca Warriors Anthem" for 2006 FIFA World Cup which partly references the chorus of "Road to Italy," a 1989 hit soca song by SuperBlue, associated with the Strike Squad team. [5] Another song, "West Indies Forever", which was produced by him in 2004, was played at the inaugural ceremony of 2007 Cricket World Cup. [6] During his music career, McKoy was affiliated with Bertelsmann Music Group. [7]
McKoy entered the music scene with his 2010 debut album Step Forward, produced by David Kershenbaum after original collaborator Nick Blagona fell ill. [8]
In 2015, McKoy wrote the script for Little Mizz Innocent, a film starring Olga Kurylenko. [9] [10] The film follows a UN interpreter entangled in a conflict between the FBI and a criminal organization. [11] [9]
With a background in music, McKoy released the single 'Everything to Me,' co-written with Hudson McKoy and featured on the soundtrack of his sci-fi horror comedy film LUMINA. The song, released on May 23, 2019, was produced by Greg Phillinganes and David Kershenbaum, mixed by Mick Gazauski and mastered by Bernie Grundman.
In 2020, he was credited with building a 50,000-square-foot soundstage in Morocco, considered the largest interior film set constructed in Africa. [12]
In 2024, Gino McKoy wrote, directed, and produced the science fiction film Lumina. [13] With interest in science fiction, anime, and space, McKoy chose Morocco for its desert landscapes and established film infrastructure. McKoy also handled the visual effects and performed several songs featured in the soundtrack. The project's origins date back to 2019 when a distribution agreement was signed with Entertainment Studio Motion Pictures, involving FilmNation, Lionsgate, and Netflix. [1] In March 2023, the film was acquired by Porter+Craig Film and Media. [14] Upon its theatrical release in 2024, Lumina gathered a cult following and was featured at different events such as Monsterpalooza and New York Comic Con. [4] [15]
On July 3, 2025, Gino’s song Everything to Me, the title track from Lumina, rose to #27 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart after debuting at #30. [16]
On August 2, 2025, he visited Trinidad and Tobago, where he met with government officials to discuss ideas for developing the local film and cinema industry. [17]
McKoy is also collaborating with Michael Sloan to produce a new film, Spidersweb, set to begin shooting in the summer of the following year. [18] The film will be filmed in Morocco.
Alongside his music and film work, McKoy ventured into fashion by co-founding Lydgio Fashions with his mother. [8]
Revolutionary is an upcoming film by Gino McKoy that dramatizes the controversy surrounding Howard University’s first NCAA soccer championship that was stripped by the NCAA in the 1970s, and, according to him, the project represents his next major undertaking, which he believes has the potential to compete for an Academy Awards. [19] [20]
McKoy is establishing a solar-powered, environmentally conscious film studio in Trinidad and Tobago, contributing to the development of the country’s creative and non-traditional economic sectors. [21]
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