Born and raised in East San Jose, Daniel is a graduate of Santa Clara University with a B.A. in Communication, Directing/Producing films and Music Videos for his company East Side Hero Films/Music as well as producing music for his productions.

“Lowriding in Aztlan” was his biggest success as the film garnered much praise nationally and eventually was distributed nationwide by Code Black Entertainment (now Code Black Films/a division of Lions Gate).

Daniel has Directed/Produced the award-winning music videos "The Message" and "Stand Up!" Two powerful songs that inspire our urban Chicano communities to rise above injustice and fight violence with acts of non-violence. They are both featured on the "East Side Hero" soundtrack that is a part of the upcoming motion picture project "East Side Hero" due to begin production in the fall of 2023.

Daniel also currently teaches film at Downtown College Prep Alum Rock High School, located in the heart of East San Jose. The main goal of all the productions is to empower his students to find their voice through film and share it to inspire their surrounding community.

Daniel's mission and vision with all his film projects is to encourage people from diverse, low-income backgrounds to strive for success, inspire creativity and promote education through film entertainment, mentorship programs, and community service.

The vision of “East Side Hero” and our projects is to serve as a tool to relate to the lives of low-income at-risk youth in underserved schools and neighborhoods. Our goal is to inspire our targeted youth to have more positive decision making and resolutions to challenging life situations.

Our Mission:
- To empower low income at risk youth in urban communities especially those who attend underserved schools.
- To disrupt the generational cycle of violence between Latino communities in Northern California.
- To show youths that it is possible to break free from the limitations being imposed on their identity from the time they are born.