Daniel comes out of New York's underground film/art world. Through the exploration of identity, he found his reality through the lenses of contrast. Having attended the School of Visual Arts film program while working for acclaimed executive producer Ben Barenholtz (BARTON FINK) his persistence paid off earning him SVA and Kodak grants as well as acceptance into the prestigious Actor's Studio observation program.
At SVA, he made several short films ranging from stop motion animation, experimental and mock-u-mentary works. These diversified films gave Daniel a strong foundation to work from in which he made BUTTERCUP, his first accomplished film which went on to tour German movie theatres in 1997 & 1998 as part of the “BLUE HEARTS OF N.Y.” traveling festival of short films (distributed by MOP Distribution, Germany). Daniel's next film, the black and white KINGS, featured in THE FACE magazine, toured festivals and had the honor of closing night film at the 1997 HERO FESTIVAL in New Zealand. His follow up, PACIFIER, which he produced, played to sold out screenings at SLAMDANCE, CHICAGO UNDERGROUND and FLORIDA film festivals. It was with praise from critics such as Chris Gore of FILM THREAT that PACIFIER went on to win the GRAND JURY AWARD at the MICRO-CINE FEST (2000) in Maryland. In 2001, Daniel completed 10,082, a Super 8mm experimental documentary based on magician David Blaine . Having it’s own share of festival exposure, the film was awarded BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM at the 15th annual U.S. SUPER 8mm FILM FESTIVAL (2003).
STICKERS, (2004) his stylized narrative short, won an award for Best Cinematography and Best Short Film at the Independent Horror Fest and Clash of the Artist competition respectively, the film was favorably featured and reviewed on the IFC News website.
Recently, Daniel has been back on the festival circuit showcasing, LALO, a short hyper-real comedy about a Mexican delivery worker. The film was the 2009 recipient of the BEST SHORT FILM award from HBO/NY Latino International Film Festival. As well, yet another 2 experimental shorts, titled EPISODE #22, winner for Best Experimental at the 20th annual U.S. Super 8mm Film Festival and EPISODE #21(a follow up, commissioned to create for the 2009 MATA festival in NYC).
Currently, Daniel will is in development on his first feature film, titled, H.O.M.E. starring Jeremy Ray Valdez (La Mission)
