Meet Michael Finn | Actor, Director & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Finn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This is a tricky question in the entertainment industry, and I don’t think there is any clear answer that fits everyone across the board. For me, I don’t know that I ever want to give up. But I will know it’s time when acting and filmmaking no longer bring me joy and excitement. I have learned through life that happiness and peace of mind is more important than any paycheck or accolades. As long as I have passion for my craft and am driven to pursue it, I’ll keep going for as long as I can.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, director and filmmaker, starting on the stage and transitioning towards film after college. As an actor, I have a BFA from Montclair State University, and have continued my education ever since, working with wonderful teachers and studying different techniques. After college, I went on to direct several plays before picking up a camera and creating my own work. I don’t have a formal film education, but I have taught myself many aspects of the art just by picking up a camera, grabbing a few friends, and shooting short films. After working in independent film and doing off-Broadway plays in NYC, I moved to Atlanta to continue to elevate my career. The first short film that I directed, shot, and edited went on to be accepted to multiple film festivals, even winning. This victory fueled me to push harder and dig deeper. Since then, I have directed over 30 short films, worked on countless others, booked commercials, TV shows, and a theatrical national tour. It has not been without its challenges, as nothing in this industry is guaranteed, but I am blessed to have very supportive people in my life who I can turn to in difficult times as well as prosperous ones. I am super excited for what the future holds, as I’m currently in pre-production on a very important and meaningful short film and have started writing a few other projects with friends, including two series and a feature film. I cannot wait to share my work and passion with you all!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a bit of a foodie and I love the outdoors, adventure, and games, so a visit to Atlanta might look a little different with me. There are some incredible bars and restaurants in this city, and I love going over to Decatur Square. I would absolutely take them to some of the staples, such as Kimball House, Iberian Pig, Brick Store Pub as well as Ticonderoga Club, Bon Ton, La Tavola, and Octopus Bar. And no trip is complete without some Fox Bros. BBQ and brunch at The General Muir. Within city limits, Atlanta has a ton of fantastic things to do. The Georgia Aquarium here is one of the best in the country, and the High Museum of Art is worth a visit. I always check to see what’s happening at the Fox Theatre and the Woodruff Arts Center, and it’s always great to catch a Braves game at Truist Park and wander around The Battery. My friends and I are also big into music, and Atlanta has some awesome record stores, like Wuxtry, Criminal Records, Wax n’ Facts, Waterloo Sunset and Fantasyland Records. Atlanta also has a great beer scene, with breweries like Three Taverns, Orpheus, Wild Heaven, and Scofflaw to name a few, as well as a bunch of great coffee spots like Perc, Chrome Yellow, East Pole, and Land of a Thousand Hills. Outside the norm, I’m a big fan of driving up to the mountains and doing a lot of hiking, having done a lot of the trails and parks like Brasstown Bald, Providence Canyon, Amicalola Falls , etc. I also love visiting small towns like Macon, Helen and Dahlonega; Athens is only about an hour away, and I’m a big fan of escape rooms, of which there are plenty in and around Atlanta. So if you’re coming to visit, be ready for anything!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout is dedicated to my family and friends who have stood by me on this tumultuous journey through all its ups and downs, twists and turns, including but not limited to: my mother, father, sister, and brother-in-law, Uncle J, Uncle T, Aunt J, cousin Kelly, Pete Neusch, Michael Mustica, Fady Kerko, Jeff Sprauve, Meredith Genesoni, James Tabeek, and Georgia Allen, as well as anyone else who has guided, pushed, advised, comforted, loved, and supported me. My sincerest thank you to you all.

Website: mfmichaelfinn.com

Instagram: @therealmichaelfinn

Twitter: @realmichaelfinn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mfmichaelfinn

Other: I also have started an instagram account for my photography: @aka_finn