Biography of Edward Toby Wagstaff
Edward Toby Wagstaff is a writer, editor, and script consultant whose diverse career spans the entertainment industry and the evolving field of conversational AI. Originally from the United Kingdom, he earned a first-class honors degree in Philosophy and Modern Languages (Italian) from the University of Oxford He currently resides in the United States, where he continues to contribute to various creative and technological domains.
Studying and Teaching in Rome
As part of his academic journey, Edward Wagstaff spent a year in Rome, studying at the Università degli Studi Roma Tre. During this time, he deepened his knowledge of cinema and art history, which laid the foundation for his future work in the film industry While in Rome, he also volunteered as a teaching assistant in the English department, which allowed him to refine his communication and organizational skills. Additionally, he directed a production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde with a group of Italian students This experience was pivotal, fostering his love for directing and the collaborative process of bringing creative projects to life.
In addition to his academic and extracurricular pursuits, Toby worked as a part-time English tutor, further developing his teaching abilities. This role also gave him valuable insights into
cultural exchange as he worked with students from diverse backgrounds He also developed an interest in photography during this period, which became a lifelong passion. His time in Rome gave him a rich cultural experience that significantly shaped his storytelling and creative expression approach.
London and Post-Production
After completing his studies at Oxford, he moved to London to begin his career in the film industry Edward joined Studio 8 Productions and Peace Arch Films, where he worked on script coverage, analysis, and developing promotional materials for international film markets. In this role, he gained valuable experience in script evaluation and production logistics, which broadened his understanding of the business side of filmmaking
Additionally, Wagstaff interned in post-production for the BBC TV series Monarch of the Glen, gaining hands-on experience in film editing, sound mixing, and color correction This exposure to the technical side of filmmaking enhanced his skill set and provided him with a well-rounded understanding of the production process
On Set in Tuscany
Toby's first significant experience in physical film production came in 2004, when he worked on Shadows in the Sun, a feature film starring Harvey Keitel, Joshua Jackson, and Claire Forlani The film was shot in Tuscany and London, and he played several roles on set He assisted the producers, translated for the Italian crew, and helped facilitate communication between the Italian and English-speaking production teams He occasionally served as an on-screen double for the lead actor, gaining firsthand experience in the on-set production environment
This experience on set in Tuscany gave Edward a deeper understanding of the logistics involved in film production. It allowed him to develop a strong appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking. His hands-on involvement in the production process solidified his desire to continue working in the film industry and further fueled his passion for storytelling
Los Angeles - Development and Literary Management
In late 2004, Wagstaff moved to Los Angeles to join Fierce Entertainment as a Creative Executive In this role, he was heavily involved in developing the company’s first complete in-house feature project, War, starring Jet Li and Jason Statham His contributions to the project, from script development to production and eventual release, gave him valuable experience overseeing the entire filmmaking process
During his time at Fierce, Toby also helped expand the company’s buyers' rep operation, playing a key role in tripling the client roster within the first several months Realizing his passion for writing and editing, he transitioned to a position at Original Content, a boutique literary management agency At Original Content, he worked closely with emerging screenwriters to
develop, pitch, and sell their original screenplays His efforts were instrumental in the agency’s growth, helping to double the client roster during his tenure.
His work with writers continued to evolve, and his portfolio expanded to include the Ugandan hip-hop documentary Diamonds in the Rough. He supervised the editing process and directed the narration track there, earning him an associate producer credit This experience gave him additional insight into documentary filmmaking, further enhancing his versatility in the industry.
Screenwriting
His increasing involvement with writers and growing film industry experience led him to pursue a full-time screenwriting career In 2008, Edward optioned his first spec script, Arena, a high-concept action sci-fi screenplay, to Summit Entertainment. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, and he soon found representation with top-tier agencies such as Endeavor, WME, and Verve TLA
Over the years, he continued to work in various genres, with original screenplays such as The Day I Die, a contemporary thriller optioned by Millennium Films, and Break My Bones, a YA drama commissioned by Warhorse Films He also wrote Powerhouse, a UK drama/thriller that was sold as a pitch to Lightbulb Pictures His ability to work across genres and his commitment to producing high-quality scripts made him a sought-after screenwriter in Hollywood.
In addition to his original work, he took on several assignments, including adapting the sci-fi graphic novel Shrapnel for Radical Studios and rewriting romcoms like There Goes the Bride and High Heels and Horseshoes for PixL TV His extensive experience in screenwriting allowed him to take on a wide range of projects and showcase his versatility as a writer.
Conversational AI and Large Language Models
Following the 2023 WGA writers' strike, Wagstaff sought new opportunities to apply his writing expertise and began working with a large tech company on its conversational AI model While he firmly believes that AI will never replace human creativity, he recognizes the vast potential of technology to improve access to information and address global challenges He is particularly excited about the potential applications of AI in the fields of climate change and sustainability, believing that these technologies could provide innovative solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing humanity
Life Off the Page
Toby has many interests and hobbies outside his professional life He is an accomplished musician, playing both guitar and bass, and has written, recorded, and performed rock and electronic music since his teenage years He was ranked among the top 10 youth fencers in the UK and competed for Oxford University in fencing. In addition to his interest in music and fencing, he enjoys exploring national parks worldwide and capturing their beauty with his 35mm
SLR camera His love for photography and nature reflects his creative spirit and his desire to immerse himself in the world around him.
Edward Toby Wagstaff’s career has been defined by his adaptability, passion, and commitment to the creative process. From his early days in London and Rome to his work in Los Angeles and with conversational AI, his journey has been one of continuous growth and exploration His diverse experiences across multiple industries have shaped him into a versatile professional, and his work will continue to influence and inspire future generations of writers, filmmakers, and innovators His story is a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.