Deborah Finley is a multifaceted creative professional, boasting an impressive array of talents that transcend the boundaries of multiple artistic disciplines, including comedy writing, acting, filmmaking, and cartooning.
Based in both the vibrant metropolis of New York City and the eclectic city of Austin, Texas, Finley's life journey has taken her on a global adventure, traversing various parts of the world, including the picturesque Northeast, the culturally rich Brazil, the historically significant Georgia, and the sun-kissed state of Texas.
Throughout her travels, Finley has drawn inspiration from her experiences, allowing her to tap into a boundless wellspring of creativity, which she channels into her work, infusing it with a unique blend of humor, wit, and insight.
Finley, a highly accomplished individual, has had the privilege of obtaining a Master's degree in Communications from The University of Texas at Austin, a prestigious institution renowned for its esteemed programs in journalism, photojournalism, filmmaking, and graphic design.
Throughout her academic tenure, Finley has developed a unique set of skills that have served as a solid foundation for her future endeavors. Her Bachelor of Arts degree from Simmons College/University, a esteemed institution with a rich history of academic excellence, has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of psychology, business, and English.
Finley, a multifaceted actress, has had the opportunity to demonstrate her impressive range by participating in a diverse assortment of projects, encompassing a broad spectrum of mediums, including feature films, television shows, independent productions, short films, commercials, web-based productions, improvisational theater, sketch comedy performances, and print media.
In addition to her extensive acting endeavors, Finley has also pursued further education in the art of comedy writing and improvisation at several prestigious institutions, including the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB),the esteemed Magnet Theater, the acclaimed Peoples Improv Theater (The PIT),and the distinguished Merlin Works (Zach Theatre).
Finley's extensive theatrical training has comprised a diverse array of esteemed institutions, including American University, where she honed her craft alongside a talented pool of students and instructors. Additionally, she has had the privilege of studying at Texas State Theater, a renowned institution that has produced a wide range of accomplished performers. Furthermore, Finley has also had the opportunity to hone her skills at Actors Connection NY, a prestigious organization that provides a supportive environment for actors to refine their craft.
Throughout her career, Finley has been a proud and dedicated member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA),an organization that has been instrumental in promoting the interests and welfare of actors. Since 2015, Finley has been a part of this esteemed organization, and she is now also a member of SAG-Core, a prestigious collective of actors and industry professionals who share a commitment to excellence and a passion for the performing arts.
Biography:
Finley is a talented and versatile actress with a wide range of experience in film, television, and theater. Born and raised in the United States, Finley developed a passion for the performing arts at a young age and began studying acting in her early teens. She went on to pursue her passion at several esteemed institutions, including American University, Texas State Theater, and Actors Connection NY.
Throughout her career, Finley has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of talented professionals, from seasoned actors and directors to producers and writers. She has appeared in numerous film and television productions, including dramas, comedies, and action-adventure movies. In addition to her work in front of the camera, Finley has also had the opportunity to work behind the scenes, serving as a producer and writer on several projects.
Finley is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and SAG-Core, and she is committed to using her talents to make a positive impact on the world. She is a strong advocate for social justice and is passionate about using her platform to raise awareness about important issues and to support causes that are close to her heart.
As a multifaceted creative professional, Finley embodies a unique combination of talents, effortlessly juggling multiple roles within the realm of multimedia production, filmmaking, and photography. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has honed her skills to conceptualize, produce, and edit her own captivating multimedia projects, commercials, and feature-length films, often working independently as a one-person band.
Throughout her career, Finley has developed a remarkable range of expertise, encompassing the entire production process from initial concept to final product. Her impressive repertoire includes:
• Capturing stunning visuals through video and still photography
• Capturing high-quality audio recordings
• Brainstorming innovative story ideas and developing compelling narratives
• Conducting in-depth interviews to gather insightful perspectives
• Conducting thorough research to ensure accuracy and authenticity
• Crafting engaging written content, including scripts, articles, and blog posts
• Editing footage, audio, and written content to create a polished final product
• Incorporating graphics, animation, and music to enhance the visual and aural experience
Finley's diverse skillset and creative vision enable her to seamlessly transition between roles, allowing her to take on a wide range of projects and deliver exceptional results.
Deborah Finley's creative output has been extensively published in The Daily Texan, with a significant number of her films garnering critical acclaim and winning prestigious awards. Some of her most notable accolades include the Best Documentary award at the Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival in 2010 for her film Humble Trash, as well as its selection in the Faces of Austin Multimedia Showcase. Additionally, Mind Over Polio was chosen for the REEL WOMEN 2010 Showcase and the SXSW Selection. Furthermore, Finley's work was recognized with a Semi-Finalist placement in the 64th College Photographer of the Year (CPOY) Multimedia Category for Mind Over Polio. The film also won the Grand Prize in the Student Category at the 2008 Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival. Moreover, her short film Rock'n with Rocky was a Finalist in the Humorous Short Film Competition at the Austin Film Festival in 2006.
Finley's academic and occupational path has been marked by a diverse range of educational pursuits, which have seen her matriculate at a multitude of prestigious institutions. These esteemed establishments have included the esteemed Parsons School of Design, where she honed her skills in the realm of design; the International Center for Photography, a renowned hub for photographic excellence; the School of Visual Arts, a prestigious institution dedicated to the advancement of visual arts; the Maine Media Workshop, a prominent center for media-focused learning; Texas State University, a respected institution of higher learning; Austin Community College, a prominent community college; and three NPPA news/storytelling workshops, a series of workshops focused on the art of news and storytelling.
Biography:
Finley's educational and professional journey has been a winding road of discovery and growth.
