Daniel Colella is a filmmaker from Norfolk, Virginia. Although having had an affinity for critiquing and analyzing English Literature and Poetry, Daniel had only initially enjoyed films at surface value, as pure entertainment, never considering the multi-level meanings and elevated craft of the work. After what would be a pivotal screening of Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands in a high school film class, Daniel was asked to give meaning beyond what the film showed, to look at every aspect of the film from lighting, to acting, to set and beyond. It was as if a lightbulb went off in his head, a passion was born, and Daniel was propelled on his journey into filmmaking.
As an undergraduate student at The College of Charleston, Daniel earned his degree in English and Film Studies while also leading the school's Film Club in creating over 10 films in 3 years and executive producing video productions at the school's independent news and media organization, CisternYard Media. After graduating, Daniel continued his journey heading cross-country to Los Angeles, where he pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production at top rated film school, Loyola Marymount University. Daniel's graduate thesis film, P.E., premiered at the 2024 Beverly Hills International Film Festival.
Daniel has worked for Oscar-nominated directors, Oscar-winning producers, and led both undergraduate and graduate school film organizations. He has interned with The Red Door Films as an assistant to Oscar-nominated Director, Matia Karrell, on a WWII documentary. Additionally, he has interned in Film Development with Catchlight Films and FirstGen Content. With his MFA completed, Daniel now works in New York City as a contract Assistant Producer for Brunswick Creative.