BIO

Hi! I’m Daniel. This is a small selection of my portfolio.

I’m a Director-Producer, Editor, and DP living in Atlanta, GA. I’m a Cuban-Dominican American and I’m bilingual English and Spanish, conversationally bad with Italian, and worse with French.

I like old-school bachata, arabic funk, french house, italian disco; El Greco, Vivaldi, and Rembrandt; chiaroscuro, glam lighting, and vintage glass. I’ve been known to dance with the camera when I shoot music videos.

I’ve been in the industry over a decade, wearing pretty much all of the hats in different combinations every day. I’ve directed hundreds of short-form projects in seven countries, and produced, shot, or edited countless more. It’s been a wild ride!

So I’ve got a unique perspective on this whole production thing, because I’ve done it all. It helps me organize the circus in a way that makes sure everyone is always on the same page, pushing in the same direction, with a clear vision.

A few of the fun clients I’ve collaborated with over the years are Sakrete, IHG, Elton John’s Farewell Tour, Burlington, BMW China, Turner, Jack Daniel’s, Home Depot, Cee Lo Green, and Collective Soul.

I have a lot of fun pulling amazingly talented teams together onto well organized, efficient, and fun sets with my production company, Debonair Films. I’m also on the director roster at Apple Box Productions and I often freelance with ad agencies, other production companies, brands, and anybody else who wants to make cool stuff together!

One of my favorite things about this industry is that every project is different. I love doing new things with new people, exploring new techniques and new ways of telling stories.

I’ve always held that good people tend to find good people, so if you want to connect, drop me a line and let’s make something great together.

— D.O.

AWARDS

Jack Daniel’s Flavor of Two Cities | Nimbus Agency x Applebox Productions | Branded Campaign (as Director):
2023 American Advertising Awards Louisville - BEST IN SHOW Branded Content & Entertainment
2023 American Advertising Awards Louisville - GOLD Branded Content & Entertainment
2023 American Advertising Awards Louisville - SILVER Microsite
2023 American Advertising Awards Louisville - CULTURALLY LEGIT PLAQUE Branded Content

Color Blind | Debonair Films x Drama Inc Films | Comedy Short (as Director-Producer / Editor):
2018 Atlanta Film Festival – Audience Award – Best Narrative Short

PBS Idea Channel | KornhaberBrown | Web Series (as Asst Editor):
2013 Webby Award and Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Editing

Porcelain | Debonair Films | Drama/Sci-Fi Short (as Director-Producer / Editor):
2017 48hr Film Festival Atlanta – Best Director
2017 48hr Film Festival Atlanta – Best Supporting Actress
2017 48hr Film Festival Atlanta – Best Use of Character
2017 48hr Film Festival Atlanta – Best Director
2017 48hr Film Festival Atlanta – Best Story/Writing
2018 Official Latino Short Film Festival – Best Sci-Fi

Photobomb | Debonair Films x Drama Inc Films | Comedy Short (as Cinematographer / Producer / Editor):
2020 Atlanta Women’s Comedy Film Festival – Best Director
2020 Indie Short Fest – Best Director
2020 Indie Short Fest – Best Ensemble

Mr. Goody | Debonair Films x Drama Inc Films | Comedy Short (as Producer / Editor):
2019 Barcelona International Film Festival  – El Rey Jury Award
2019 Prague Independent Film Festival – Best Short Film
2019 Atlanta Comedy Film Festival – Best Short
2019 Georgia Shorts Film Festival – Best Director
2019 Southern Shorts – Best Made in Georgia
2019 European Cinematography Awards – Best Comedy Film
2019 European Cinematography Awards – Best US Film
2019 Actor’s Awards, Los Angeles – Best Ensemble
2019 IndieFest Film Awards – Best Short
2019 Oniros Film Award – Best Under 5 Minute Film

Percipience | Debonair Films | Horror Short (as Director-Producer / Editor):
2020 Southern Shorts Awards –  Horror Silver Award
2020 Slash and Bash – 2nd Place
2020 Southern Shorts Awards –  Acting Merit – Rishik Patel
2020 Southern Shorts Awards –  Acting Merit – Rebecca Ray
2020 Night of Horror Film Festival – Best Actor

Ditched | Debonair Films x Drama Inc Films | Drama Short (as Director-Producer / Editor):
2018 Independent Shorts Awards – Best Ensemble Bronze
2018 Independent Shorts Awards – Best Original Story Silver
2018 Berlin Flash Film Festival — Honorable Mention
2018 Canada Shorts Film Festival – Award of Excellence