Biography

Daniel Algrant was born on September 25th, 1959 in New York City. While attending school he moved in with his grandmother in Cromwell, Connecticut . Algrant attended Phillips Academy Andover High School at just 12 years old. He attended Andover for four years where he began filmmaking. Algrant's first feature film, Naked in New York (1993) was executive produced by Martin Scorsesse and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The cast includes Eric Stolz, Mary- Louise Parker, Ralph Macchio, along with Tony Curtis, Kathleen Turner, Tim Dalton and Whoopi Goldberg. It won the Critics Prize at the Deauville International Film Festival and went on to compete at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The New York Times called the film "as knowing and clever as it is charming." Following the success of Naked in New York (1993), Algrant went on to direct episodes of the popular sitcom Sex and The City (1999-2000). Algrant went on to do People I Know (2002) starring Al Pacino. A film about veteran publicist battling addiction and alcoholism. The piece was eventually ensnared in controversy before its premiere as it depicted the World Trade Center as a metaphor for cultural corruption prior to the tragic attack that took place during editing. The film also includes a scene where a woman is forced to flee a man named Harvey in a limousine - which was intended as a reference to Weinstein's abusive behavior in the film industry. Weinstein would purchase the film, request that scene to be removed, and eventually stall it's global release. How To Grow A Band (2011) is a documentary executive produced by Algrant about the early days of American progressive bluegrass band Punch Brothers. Greetings from Tim Buckley (2012) is a film co-written and directed by Algrant, depicting rock star Jeff Buckley (Penn Badgley), making his debut performance honoring late father Tim Buckley. The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was bought by Focus World and Tribeca Pictures. It was described by Peter Travers in Rolling Stone as a heartfelt and deeply moving film. The Hollywood Reporter said it was a "sensitive, well-cast film about father-son musicians Tim and Jeff Buckley and gets the emotions and music just right". Young also praised lead actor Badgley for his "vibrant break-out performance" noting his "seductive energy" and Poots pointing out her "strong screen presence". Algrant has long been involved with the Independent Film Committee, protecting the creative rights of independent filmmakers, serving as Co-Chair to their Directors Guild of America East.
- IMDb mini biography by: Anesia Saunders