Daniel Kwan (Chinese) and Daniel Scheinert, known collectively as the Daniels, are American film directors and screenwriters.
They began their career as directors of music videos, including the popular DJ Snake & Lil Jon music video for the single “Turn Down for What” (2013).
They have since ventured into film, having written and directed the surreal comedy-drama Swiss Army Man (2016) and the sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). The latter became A24’s highest-grossing film of all time, and the Daniels were nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
Kwan and Scheinert met while they were studying film at Emerson College in Boston. They went to college with Sunita Mani, who starred with Kwan in the music video for “Turn Down for What,” which Daniels directed.
Since 2011, they have directed music videos for artists including Foster the People, The Shins and Tenacious D. In 2018, Kwan co-founded the group We Direct Music Videos (W.D.M.V.), described as “a global community of music video directors who are committed to sustainable directorial labor practices.”
In 2016, the duo expanded to feature films, writing and directing Swiss Army Man, starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe, which received positive reviews, as well as the duo winning the Directing Award at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
Daniels have several TV directing credits, including “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, Legion” (Kwan only) and “On Becoming a God in Central Florida” (Scheinert only).
Daniels were attached as directors on a prospective TV adaption of Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, being developed by Noah Hawley, but the project was not picked up.
The duo announced in 2017 they would write, direct and produce a sci-fi film, with their producing partner Jonathan Wang and the Russo brothers.
Everything Everywhere All at Once, starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong and Jamie Lee Curtis, was released in March 2022 to widespread critical acclaim.
As of 2022, Daniels have signed a first look TV deal with A24.
The same year, they also signed a five-year film deal with Universal Pictures.
Daniels were on the Time 100 Next list in 2022.
Daniel Kwan was born in Westborough, Massachusetts. He is married to fellow filmmaker and animator Kirsten Lepore.
Daniel Scheinert was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the son of Becky and Ken Scheinert. He attended Oak Mountain Elementary and Middle School, and was a student in the International Baccalaureate program at Shades Valley High School.
Filmography
Short films
2009 Swingers
2010 Puppets
2011 My Best Friend’s Wedding
My Best Friend’s Sweating
2014 Possibilia
2016 Interesting Ball
Scheinert only
2007 I’m Nostalgic Yes No
2008 Trust
Feature films
2016 Swiss Army Man
2022 Everything Everywhere All at Once
Scheinert only
Year Title Director Producer Notes
2019 The Death of Dick Long Yes Yes Also portrayed Dick Long;
Also performed “It’s Been A While”
Television
Year Title Episode
2013 NTSF:SD:SUV:: “Comic Con Air”
“Wreck the Malls”
Childrens Hospital “Coming and Going”
Infomercials (TV specials) “Broomshakalaka!”
2020 Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens “Grandma & Chill”
Kwan only
Year Title Episode
2019 Legion “Chapter 23”
Scheinert only
Year Title Episode
2019 On Becoming a God in Central Florida “Many Masters”
Music videos
