Daniel Zirilli, a prolific director, producer and writer of action films and more than 200 music videos including the Rolling Stones’ “Voodoo Lounge,” died April 28. He was 58.
His death was announced by his family. No cause was disclosed, but an Instagram message posted by his daughter Talise Zirilli last weekend indicated that he had been missing since April 24.
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Born November 13, 1965, Zirilli founded Popart Film Factory at age 24 after graduating from Pepperdine University in Malibu. In the subsequent years, he would direct and write more than 30 feature films, most in the action and thriller genres. He was a producer on more than 85 films.
Among his most recent, Zirilli directed, produced and co-wrote Invincible, released by Lionsgate in 2022. Shot on location in Thailand, Invincible starred Johnny Strong, Marko Zaror and Michael Pare, who also appeared in Zirilli’s Hollow Point (2019) along with Luke Goss and Jay Mohr.
Other film credits include Acceleration (2019) starring Dolph Lundgren, Sean Patrick Flanery and Jason London; Renegades, a 2022 London-shot gangster crime drama featuring Ian Ogilvy, Nick Moran, Patsy Kensit, and Lee Majors; and Phoenix, a 2023 female-driven revenge thriller lead by Natalie Eva Marie, Neal McDonough, and Randy Couture.
Zirilli directed The Asian Connection (2016) starring Steven Seagal and Michael Jai White which debuted on Netflix, and also produced It’s So Easy and Other Lies, a 2015 film about the early days of Guns N’ Roses.
Zirilli directed/produced more than 250 music videos, including for such artists as Three 6 Mafia (featuring Katt Williams), Redman, Cypress Hill, Shaq, Scarface, Montel Jordan, Master P, Twista, Chayanne, Freddie Jackson, Roger Troutman Jr., Gerald Levert, Bobby Womack, Bokeem Woodbine, Peter Himmelman, and Flea. He produced music videos for the Russell Simmons film The Show for Def Jam, Michael Nesmith of The Monkees and many other recording artists.
Zirilli is survived by daughter Talise Zirilli; son Calian Zirilli; father Richard Buchta; mother Diane Zirilli Buchta; brother Rick Buchta and sister Kym Rusch. The funeral will be a private ceremony for close family.
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He will be missed, loved his movies, Especially Phoenix, Locked Down and Circle Of Pain
I bought a book a few years ago, and little did I know it would impact my life in so many ways. It was called Making Movies without Losing Money. The last chapter was an interview with Daniel Zirilli, which included lessons from his experience. It was worth a read. My husband (Christian Peter) knew Daniel and spoke of him fondly. Christian then introduced me to Daniel. I was so excited; this is a film director/Producer I read about in a book with a full chapter dedicated to him, he was a producer on more than 85 films! I didn’t realize how much that introduction, Daniel, and his chapter would have such a massive impact on me and so many people in our circle. Long story short, Daniel Produced my first feature film, a psychological thriller called THREE; Daniel taught me so much about resilience, love of life, and supporting others. He would give his last dollar to anyone in need, even if he needed it more himself. He impacted my career and many others.
I will miss you, Daniel. You have touched my heart and soul; the last few days have been harrowing. I keep listening to your amazing voice notes and laughter. You will always be my inspiration, and I will carry your torch forward to continue the spirit of giving, friendship, and what we both loved most: storytelling, my friend my heart has a hole from which your light pours forth; your voice will guide me, I have starred all your wonderful tips and will have it as a reference forever, you will always be the Producer and friend that everyone needs in life but only a few were lucky to experience, rest in peace, my wonderful friend.
Talked with him couple of time in social media. I’m happy for him, because he did a lot when he was here…
RIP
Daniel was a talented writer, director and filmmaker, but beyond that a decent, honest and genuinely nice guy! I was developing a new film with him that he was going to direct when I received this sad, shocking news on April 28th. I will miss you my friend. Much love and prayers for his family. RIP DZ. 💔
He was one of the most genuine, generous, humble, creative, fun people I’ve ever had the privilege of getting to know.