Photo by Miikko Oikkonen

For over two decades, Finnish writer/director Marko Mäkilaakso has directed music videos, commercials, documentaries, TV series, short films, and feature films, gaining an international reputation for his strong visual style and storytelling abilities. In 2004, Marko was hired as the 2nd Unit Director for the feature film NIGHTBEASTS, starring Zach Galligan (Gremlins). In 2007, Marko directed his first feature film, WAR OF THE DEAD, which was shot in Lithuania. The English-language action horror film was an international co-production between the USA, Lithuania, and Italy, with Marko also serving as co-producer and writer. Entertainment One, Alliance, and Momentum Pictures released the film in the US, Canada, and the UK, respectively.

In 2011, Marko was hired to direct the Syfy Original Movie DEADLY DESCENT (aka Abominable Snowman), starring Adrian Paul (Highlander series), Chuck Campbell (Stargate Atlantis), and Sean Teale (The Gifted). The action film was shot in Bulgaria and released through Syfy and Universal worldwide. In 2013, Marko directed his third film, ELLA AND FRIENDS 2, a successful family comedy based on a popular children's book. In 2016, he began production on his fourth film, IT CAME FROM THE DESERT, based on the legendary '80s video game by Cinemaware. The Finland-UK-Canada co-production had its world premiere at the Fantasy Filmfest in 2017 in Germany and became a festival hit worldwide. Following a successful release through FOX, The Orchard, and Thunderbird Releasing, It Came from the Desert became a popular Huluween feature for many years on Disney's Hulu in the US. In 2018, Marko was hired to direct episodes for the third season of the award-winning hit crime drama series BORDERTOWN (Sorjonen). The Finland-France co-production was released as a Netflix Original Series worldwide in 2020.

Marko directed his fifth feature film, the action-horror-comedy THE CREEPS, starring Chris Cavalier (Hidden Figures), with Christopher Lambert (Highlander) and William Daniels (Knight Rider). The film was shot in snowy Finland during lockdown. The Creeps had its world premiere at the prestigious BIFFF - Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in April 2025. The summer of 2021, Marko directed episodes for the Nordic thriller series HELSINKI SYNDROME, from the makers of the successful Bordertown series, starring Peter Franzén (Vikings). The Finland-Germany-France-Belgium co-production was released worldwide in 2022. Marko returned as director for HELSINKI SYNDROME 2, which was shot in 2023 and released in the fall of 2024. In addition to his film work, Marko writes screenplays and has developed projects with such legends as Marvel’s Stan Lee, Troma’s Lloyd Kaufman, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Kris Van Damme (Rodin Entertainment), among others. His films have been released through Netflix, Hulu, Universal, Syfy, Sony Pictures, Sky, FOX, The Orchard, and Entertainment One.

Marko's music videos have been nominated four times for Best Domestic Music Video of the Year at the Emma Awards (the Finnish equivalent of the Grammys), and he has won the prestigious prize once, for his music video for Uniklubi (Universal Music). Marko has had the pleasure of directing talents such as Christopher Lambert, Adrian Paul, William Daniels, Zach Galligan, Peter Franzén, Sean Teale, Chris Cavalier, Olivier Gruner, and Mark Arnold, among others. He lives in Germany with his family but continues to work worldwide. 

Currently, Marko is developing the feature film project SALOME, which he co-wrote with the legendary Mick Garris, based on his novel. Garris is producing through his company, Nice Guy Productions, and Marko is set to direct the gripping neo-noir crime thriller. Marko is also attached to direct THE SCOUT, a psychological thriller from the makers of the popular Iron Sky franchise, which is currently in development. In 2025, Marko was honored to be part of the iconic Masters of Horror Dinner in Los Angeles, an informal gathering among the biggest names in the horror genre.

SHOWREEL

Photo by Kimmo Korhonen

Masters of Horror Dinner 2025