Daniel Pearl, a renowned cinematographer, embarked on his creative journey in the Bronx, New York City, before relocating to New Jersey during his formative years. His father, a mechanical engineer with a strong academic background, having graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Pearl's early interests and pursuits.
As a teenager, Pearl demonstrated his innate talent for filmmaking by creating an 8mm movie about skateboarding, which he both shot and edited at the remarkable age of 13. This early achievement foreshadowed his future success in the industry.
Pearl's academic credentials are equally impressive, as he holds a Bachelor of Science in Radio, Film, & TV from the University of Texas in Austin, as well as a Master of Arts in Communication (Film) from the same esteemed institution.
Pearl's professional career took off with his work on the feature film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974),which he shot in Texas in collaboration with director Tobe Hooper. Following this success, Pearl relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1976, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
In addition to his impressive body of work in feature films, Pearl has also made significant contributions to the music video and television commercial industries, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a cinematographer.