Daniel Peddle

Daniel Peddle grew up in rural North Carolina, where his interest in marginalized people, especially those deeply connected to the land, first took root. After studying Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he attended graduate film school at NYU.

In New York, Daniel began “street scouting” — discovering fresh faces and untapped talent on the sidewalks of the city. That pursuit evolved into The Secret Gallery, his casting company with partner Drew Dasent, known for its bold, unconventional eye and collaborations with fashion houses such as Givenchy, Tom Ford, and Comme des Garçons. His discoveries include Academy Award–winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, along with many models and emerging actors and actresses worldwide.

As a filmmaker, Daniel has directed both narrative and documentary works, including the landmark films The Aggressives and Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later — a New York Times Critics’ Pick and 2024 GLAAD Award winner. His narrative features include Sunset Edge, which premiered at the Museum of the Moving Image, and Moss, a lyrical coming-of-age story featuring an entirely street-cast ensemble led by rising actor Mitchell Slaggert.

Beyond film, Daniel has written and illustrated eight children’s books, including the award-winning Snow Day.

In his commercial work, Daniel remains rooted in authenticity. He is drawn to socially conscious stories and underrepresented voices — capturing the beauty and resilience of those overlooked. Whether working with international brands or local causes, his films balance beauty and emotion, connecting audiences to something deeply human.