Home of director and photographer, Daniel Finley dannyjive.com

Daniel's Awards/Honors/Publishing

• Emerging Photographer of the Year finalist for Scott Bourne & Photofocus.com (2010)
• Jerrita Hall feature editorial and cover published in Me: In Focus magazine (2010)
• Modern Pin-up fashion editorial and cover published in Hush Chicago magazine (2010)
• Future Hustle fashion editorial published in Hush Chicago magazine (2010)
• Romance on a White Couch fashion editorial published in Hush Chicago magazine (2010)
• “The Scorpion and the Frog” official selection of the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival (2009)
• Liquid Gold photo editorial published in N'Digo magazine (2009)
• Quincy editorial published in ePO magazine (2009)
• Top 10% in the Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowship for “I Dream Electric” (2008)
• 15th in Red Inkworks Top 50 Finalists for “I Dream Electric” (2008)
• Finalist in Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum/Chicago ScriptWorks Staged Reading Contest for “I Dream Electric” (2007)
• Quarter-Finalist in Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum Annual Screenplay Contest for “Ghost Faced” (2007)
• Quarter-Finalist in Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope Screenplay Contest for “Ghost Faced” (2007)
• Top 25% of Expo's Screenplay Competition for “Ghost Faced” (2006)
• Short script “One Night Stan” published in New American Scurvy 3 (March 2004)
• Awarded the Chicago Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) grant for the script “The Loss of Light” (2000)
• Feature-length screenplay “Quick Mart” sold to Magnum Pictures (1999)

Daniel at the monitor as they roll a take.

Testimonials about Daniel Finley

“Daniel's work is very deliberate and thoughtful. It's fresh, impactful and makes me smile. I note that Dan shoots with a filmmaker's eye which in my opinion, gives him an edge.”– Scott Bourne, President of Bourne Media Group

“Again, it was a pleasure working with you, and I can say that you've been the most professional and pleasant director that I've ever worked with. I loved how you gave us freedom to act the way we felt was best, but at the same time you directed us to get the best results.”– Shirin Caiola, Actor

“Daniel has an incredible command of his craft and has a proven talent in writing, producing, and directing. I've watched as he has improved an idea, putting that final element of 'pop' on a piece that we didn't think we could take any further. He's not just creative, but also extremely reliable and well prepared. A very rare find in my experience.”– Richard Cohen, Writer/Producer/Director at Three Color Films

“Daniel is a professional committed to excellence in filmmaking and is often modest in his assessment of his own abilities. He's a pleasure to work with.”– Niles Maxwell, Director, Balanced Productions, LLC

“I've found Daniel to be very insightful and a pleasure to work with. He establishes a relaxed and laid-back environment, but remains focused and diligent. He has an eye for talent and a keen sense of what does or doesn't work, and his diverse expertise covers all aspects of the filmmaking process, from the script all the way to hands-on production. He loves making films—you can see it in his enthusiastic work ethic.”– Boris Wexler, Writer/Director/Producer pillow-talks.tv

“Personally, I have worked with Daniel as a director and writer and can testify to his commitment to his craft and his determination to do only his best work.”– Giau Troung, Co-Artistic Director of Pintig Cultural Group

“Daniel's work ethic is of a very high standard. His performance and his attitude in handling changes have been excellent. Companies often have difficulties seeking the right talent for their organizations. I would recommend Daniel to any company.”– Peggy Folstrom, Midwest Airlines

“Daniel was a pleasure to work with; he took last minute changes in stride and still delivered a quality product within looming deadlines. His openness to other people's opinions and ideas added to a smooth development process and created an outstanding piece of work. His level of professionalism, creativity, skills, and speed helped make our project a success.”– Lindie Dimmick, Co-Chairman of the United Performing Arts Fund Campaign for Northwestern Mutual

Daniel Finley.

Biography for Daniel Finley

Daniel Finley started out as a film and video director and eventually found his way into photography. Ironically, he has come full circle as the line between photography and video begin to blur with the progression of technology.

In his directing life Daniel has won awards for scripts and films including the CAAP Grant and top 10% in the Academy's Nicholl Fellowship. Daniel's directing work is naturalistic and story driven, creating empathetic characters and delivering on performance. He has directed and produced over fifteen projects including documentaries, music videos, and short films.

In his photography life Daniel has been nominated as emerging photographer of the year by Scott Bourne and Photofocus. He has also published work in several magazines including Hush Chicago, Me: In Focus, and N'Digo.

Daniel directing Sarah in “Lullaby for Mama.”

Daniel Finley's Process

Daniel has an empowered and creative vision for every piece he tackles while keeping an open and flexible environment. He encourages collaboration in preproduction and on set while maintaining a decisive and creative point of view, striving for the absolute best.

Having respect for others, no ego, a willingness to listen, and a passionate enthusiasm for his craft, Daniel commits to making good ideas great.