Meet Daniel Byrne, the Irish filmmaker making waves worldwide

Filmmaker Daniel Byrne should be on your radar. After working on Starfish’s creative team early in his career, he’s now based in New York City, where he’s already working with exciting collaborators on big projects. Daniel primarily works as a cinematographer, but he’s something of a filmmaking jack of all trades: as well as his expertise in all aspects of cinematography, he’s also skilled as an editor, an actor, a videographer, a researcher, an equipment technician, and now even a director. 

Even though he’s still relatively early on in his career, he’s quickly established himself as a talented collaborator and an ambitious artist. So far, he’s worked with the creative director Nian Fish on films about A$AP Rocky and Donatella Versace, with the director Rachel Fleit and cinematographer Shane Sigler on a documentary featuring Colin Farrell, and now he’s even working on a project for the Met Gala with the Brooklyn-based Vela Rentals + Studio. And he’s no stranger to film festivals, with his work having screened at GAZE International Film Festival, Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival, IndieCork, and Dublin International Film Festival.

In his rare spare time, he’s also working on his own projects, as a director as well as in the camera department - details of which can be found on his Instagram, @danielbyrneeee.

We were so thrilled to talk to Daniel about his filmmaking inspirations and influences, the most exciting and fulfilling projects he’s worked on so far, his creative work in New York, and his plans for the future.

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I’ve always been inspired by Old Classic Hollywood. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock are really what got me into cinema, watching films like Rear Window with my mom as a kid. My mom is also a painter, which is really what launched me into looking at cinematography in film as an art form. To me, it really is about telling stories through shaping light.

Can you tell us about some of your creative influences?

I’m incredibly inspired by many different sources. DPs [Directors of Photography] such as Greg Fraiser make me think about lenses, frame, and feeling. My mom is a painter, and so I’ve been inspired by creativity and flow since [I was] a child, really. The people around me inspire me, too - what I see in the world and how I can contribute, or give back.

What are some of your favourite projects you’ve worked on so far, and why?

One of my favourite projects that I’ve worked on recently has been the short, “Father Brennan Is Having a Breakdown!”, directed by Luke Faulkner. The film has had major success being selected for different festivals including selection for the Iris Prize, GAZE International Film Festival, and more. I really enjoyed working with an incredibly talented team and telling an unusual, yet culturally important story. It’s also been incredible shooting the film for Starfish’s cover issue, as well as shooting at Paris Fashion Week with the Starfish Team.

You’ve worked on many different forms of filmmaking, including music videos, narrative short films, documentaries, and commercial projects. Is there a form you find yourself particularly drawn to?

Working in fashion primarily has definitely become a sweet-spot for me. Something about creative art, from art, is incredibly rewarding to me. Intriguing. I also recently worked on DIFF’s [Dublin International Film Festival] Best Documentary 2026 Winner, The Slightest Touch, with director Rachel Fleit and DP Shane Sigler. This was a documentary and was incredibly immersive for me. The documentary tells the story of Emma Fogarty, [a] 40-year-old Port Laoise woman living with EB [the disease Epidermolysis Bullosa] and her journey to participating in the Dublin Marathon 2025 with Colin Farrell. Meeting such an incredibly strong woman was incredibly inspiring.

Can you tell us a bit about the importance, in your eyes, of telling underrepresented stories through film?

Cinema and filmmaking are essential tools in bringing LIGHT to areas of life that go unnoticed. 

You’re now branching out into directing as well as cinematography. Do you think your experience as a cinematographer gives you a fresh perspective as a director?

Absolutely. I’ve achieved my BA as a Cinematography major from the National Film School, IADT, while also completing an acting course in Bow Street, Dublin. Studying as a cinematographer and actor have both funnelled a lot of my attention into directing and the truest feeling of intention in filmmaking, which is something I want to branch into more in my career.

What drew you to move to New York, and what has your experience as a young filmmaker there been like so far?

New York is a powerhouse for the film industry, especially filmmaking in fashion. I appreciate the success and standards upheld here and love contributing to the industry here. Meeting a network of filmmakers has been incredible as I have the opportunity to see the workforce here, and contribute to it. I’m currently working for Vela Rentals + Studio in Brooklyn with very well-known clients and productions - it’s been so rewarding!

Are there any big-name collaborators you’ve worked with so far, or any that you’d love to work with in the future?

Yes! I had the honour to work with Nian Fish of N + N Films through a University program in Dublin. I had the chance to work as a film researcher / editor on films for the CFDA [Council of Fashion Designers of America] Awards, such as for Donatella Versace for the “Positive Change Award” and A$AP Rocky for the “Fashion Icon of the Year” Award. 

Do you have any advice for young aspiring filmmakers from Ireland?

Go for it! Don’t be afraid of “no’s”. It’s your journey, nothing is impossible, just do it! If someone hasn’t done it before, every reason for you to be the first.

Are there any upcoming projects you’re working on that you can tell us about?

So much happening! I’m working with Vela Rentals + Studio in New York right now and I’m excited to continue working with them into the future. It’s been incredible. We’re working on jobs for the Met Gala which is exciting!

You can learn more about Daniel and all his filmmaking projects at his website, www.cassette.ie/byrne, or his Instagram, @danielbyrneeee.

Written by: Mia Tobin Power @miatobinpower

Edited by: Jules Nati @giuls.nati