Daniel Zhang is a videographer and emerging filmmaker based in Chicago, Illinois. For the last eight years, he has been perfecting his creative style through independent short films and digital media. Daniel has lent his unique style and technical ability to produce and edit high quality dance videos, promotional videos, wedding videos, commercials, infomercials, music videos, and more.

Aside from client work, Daniel has officially worked with Hinsdale Central High School, University of Illinois Hospital, Premom Inc., Living Water Evangelical Church, TEDx, Team Avatar Films, and more.

While studying Computer Science + Advertising at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Daniel utilized his acquired knowledge of computer graphics to enhance his own filmmaking craft through complex visual effects. His education in advertising has also given him an edge in social media marketing and brand positioning. These skills have assisted Daniel in gaining over 500,000 views on YouTube and 150,000 likes on Tiktok.

Daniel's passion for filmmaking is rooted in his identity as a Chinese-American. In his independent work, Daniel has developed a unique style of filmmaking inspired by anime, Hong-Kong action films, and Bollywood. His recent stories have delved into themes inspired by Eastern philosophy. Furthermore, Daniel's leadership as Videography Director at UIUC's Asian American Association has resulted in a platform in which filmmakers and cultural organizations can have the production means to create and promote AAPI stories.

In The Heights But It's Asian

“In the Heights… but it's Asian. Instead of a bodega, it's a boba shop. And it's the WHOLE opening number in a shot x shot remake… and I can't tear my eyes away.” -John M. Chu

Role: Director, Actor, Cinematographer, Editor

Wuxing Warriors

A martial arts action fantasy piece rooted in Daoist philosophy, Wuxing Warriors features a battle between five elemental warriors.

Role: Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, VFX Artist

Sokka The Firebender

The Southern Water Tribe meat-loving, boomerang-wielding inventor swordsman acquires one final skill to level the playing field: firebending.

Role: Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, VFX Artist

Visual Effects

Hover to watch the before and after breakdown!