Born & raised in Los Angeles to Korean immigrants, Lee is an award-winning director, writer, and producer, known for his sharp storytelling and inventive style. Lee is known for The Story of Air Max, 30 for 30: Friedman’s Shoes, and Road to Brooklyn. In 2004, Lee made his debut with the critically acclaimed Rock Fresh, a candid documentary about graffiti artists making the leap to commercial art. Variety singled it out as one of the films to watch at AFI Fest, while making its world premiere on Showtime.
Next, Lee is working with Conde Nast on 26.2, a feature drama he wrote and is directing, adapted from the GQ article Inside the San Quentin Marathon. In scripted television, Lee is in development on a dark comedy inspired by the Korean-American experience. Previously in scripted, Lee directed the Lionsgate feature comedy Public Disturbance with Mike Tyson; and created, wrote and directed the comedy series The Clinic on Hulu. In branded, Lee just directed The Story of Dunk for Nike. Previously in doc, Lee directed and produced Defining Moments on Hulu; After the Raves on Netflix/Red Bull TV; The Cook Up with Ghetto Gastro on Spotify. Lee also executive produced the critically acclaimed primetime PBS docuseries Breaking Big which one the Best Informational Program at the Imagen Awards.
Lee has also directed and produced branded campaigns for Nike, Nissan, Head & Shoulders, Red Bull, Adidas, Intel, Gatorade, McDonald’s, and American Express, Jaguar and more. For Red Bull, his documentary Skate or Die on high-risk Native American skater kids on the reservation is now part of the Smithsonian Institute. Lee was featured in Paper Magazine’s 10th Annual Beautiful People issue, highlighting him as a filmmaker to watch. Lee and his work have also been featured in the New York Times, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, HuffPost, Salon, GQ, and LA Weekly. Lee was also the winner of the Korean Film Council Filmmakers Lab for his feature film script Winter War. Lee is a member of the Director’s Guild of America.
View credits.
Born & raised in Los Angeles to Korean immigrants, Danny Lee is an award-winning director, writer, and producer who grew up a culture fanatic. Known for sharp storytelling, authenticity, and an innovative style, Lee helmed WHO IS STAN SMITH? and 30 FOR 30: FRIEDMAN'S SHOES. In 2004, Lee made his debut with the critically acclaimed ROCK FRESH, an intimate documentary about graffiti artists making the leap to commercial art. Variety singled it out as one of the films to watch at AFI Fest, while making its broadcast premiere on Showtime.
Currently, Lee is working on GHOSTS OF CHINATOWN, a scripted crime drama based around the life of China Mac with Nina Yang Bongiovi producing; 26.2, a gritty sports drama about the San Quentin Marathon; a feature doc on LIL UZI for HBO; a feature doc on AVRIL LAVIGNE; and more. Previously in scripted, Lee directed the Lionsgate feature PUBLIC DISTURBANCE with Mike Tyson and Bobby Lee; and created, wrote and directed THE CLINIC on Hulu. Previously in doc, Lee directed DEFINING MOMENTS on Hulu; music doc series AFTER THE RAVES on Netflix. Lee also executive produced the award-winning PBS series BREAKING BIG, as well as HUNGRY FOR MORE which won a New York Emmy.
Lee has also directed and produced numerous commercial campaigns for Nike, Nissan, Head & Shoulders, Red Bull, adidas, Intel, Gatorade, McDonald’s, and American Express, Jaguar and more. For Nike, THE STORY OF AIR MAX and THE STORY OF DUNK broke viewership records for the company. For Nissan, his branded series WITH DAD won the Best Branded Series at the Cynopsis Awards. For Red Bull, his doc SKATE OR DIE on high-risk Native American skater kids on the reservation is now part of the Smithsonian Institute. Lee was also the winner of the Korean Film Council Filmmakers Lab for his feature film script WINTER WAR. Lee and his work have also been featured in the New York Times, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, HuffPost, Salon, Paper Magazine and GQ.
The brainchild of filmmaker Danny Lee, CALICO is dedicated to authentic and impactful storytelling through inventive filmmaking. CALICO is also an MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certified company.
What was the genesis of CALICO?
In 2000, CALICO was founded to spotlight and protect underserved and protect culturally sensitive stories, in a very different entertainment climate where anything multicultural was once regarded as niche. This was this story’s inciting incident. This set the wheels in motion for CALICO's first project, the visceral documentary feature Rock Fresh, a candid documentary about graffiti artists making the leap from the street to the mainstream. The film bowed at the AFI Fest in 2004. Shortly thereafter, the film was snapped up by Showtime, where it made its world premiere.
What’s behind the name CALICO?
It stemmed as a shortened version of California Company – CALICO.
What sets CALICO apart from other companies?
We believe story and style should elevate each other organically, not be dissonant as they often tend to be. We put careful thought and take pride in every project we do, whether longform or shortform.
What are the core values of CALICO?
CALICO is about teamwork and community, where multiple viewpoints synthesize to make an impact. A great idea can come from anywhere, and whether you’re a producer or a PA, you may have a thought or perspective that revolutionizes the project.
Since CALICO produces its own original content, are you guys available for production services?
Partnering with studios, brands, and platforms to deliver content is a cornerstone of our company. If you feel we are right for the project, feel free and reach out - info@calico.la
I love CALICO‘s work. How can I be down?
We’re always looking to collab with talented people – careers@calico.la