Edward Wagstaff is a seasoned writer, editor, and script consultant with a diverse career spanning entertainment, film, and conversational AI. Originally from the United Kingdom, he graduated with a first-class honors degree in Philosophy and Modern Languages (Italian) from the University of Oxford. Currently based in New York, he has made significant contributions to various fields, from screenwriting to technological advancements.
Studying and Teaching in Rome
Edward Wagstaff spent a year in Rome as part of his degree program, where he attended the Università degli Studi Roma Tre. There, he deepened his understanding of cinema and art history. In addition to his academic pursuits, he volunteered as a teaching assistant in the English department. He directed a production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest with a cast of Italian students. Edward Wagstaff also honed his skills as an amateur photographer while exploring the city's rich historical and cultural landscape. He worked as a part-time English tutor during his stay, further enriching his international experience.
London and Post-Production
After completing his studies at Oxford, he began his professional journey in the film industry in London. Wagstaff worked with Studio 8 Productions and Peace Arch Films, providing script coverage and analysis, organizing travel and ADR sessions for international talent, and producing promotional materials for global film markets. He also interned in post-production for the long-running BBC TV series Monarch of the Glen, gaining experience in film editing, sound mixing, and color correction processes.
On Set in Tuscany
Edward Wagstaff's first significant hands-on experience in physical production came in 2004 while working on the feature film Shadows in the Sun, which starred Harvey Keitel, Joshua Jackson, and Claire Forlani. The film was shot in Tuscany and London, where he contributed in various capacities. He was an assistant to the producers, facilitated communication between the Italian crew and the English-speaking production team, and occasionally worked as an on-screen double for the lead actor. This experience solidified his passion for working on film sets and further expanded his skill set.
Development and Literary Management
In late 2004, Edward moved to the US, where he was a Creative Executive at Fierce Entertainment, a production company and buyers' representative for international distributors. At Fierce, he was pivotal in developing the company's first in-house feature project, War, starring Jet Li and Jason Statham. He was also instrumental in expanding the company's buyers' rep operation, helping to triple the client roster within his first seven months.
Realizing his true passion lay in writing and editing, Edward transitioned to a role at Original Content, a boutique literary management agency. In this capacity, Edward focused on discovering and nurturing new screenwriting talent. he worked closely with writers to develop, pitch, and sell original screenplays, helping to double the active client roster. His portfolio also included the Ugandan hip-hop documentary Diamonds in the Rough, where he supervised the editing process and wrote and directed the narration track, earning him an associate producer credit.
Screenwriting
Through his extensive experience working with writers, Edward Wagstaff eventually transitioned to full-time screenwriting. In 2008, he optioned his first spec script, a high-concept action sci-fi project titled Arena, to Summit Entertainment. This milestone led to his representation by top agencies, including Endeavor, WME, and Verve TLA. Over the next decade, he continued offering spec scripts, selling pitches, and securing writing assignments across various genres. His original feature screenplays include the contemporary thriller The Day I Die, optioned by Millennium Films; the YA drama Break My Bones, commissioned by Warhorse Films; and the UK drama/thriller Powerhouse, sold as a pitch to Lightbulb Pictures.
Wagstaff also worked on several assignments, including adapting the sci-fi graphic novel Shrapnel for Radical Studios and rewriting romcoms There Goes the Bride and High Heels and Horseshoes for PixL TV.
Conversational AI and Large Language Models
After the 2023 WGA writers' strike, Edward began exploring other opportunities to apply his writing experience. This led him to work with a large tech company on its conversational AI model. While he firmly believes that AI will never replace human creativity, he sees great potential in improving access to factual information and addressing global issues like climate change and sustainability. He is excited about the applications of AI in problem-solving and its ability to drive positive change for humanity in the future.
Life Off the Page
Outside of his professional life, he has many interests. Edward is passionate about music, photography, fencing, and exploring nature in national parks worldwide. A talented musician, he plays 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 fenced for Oxford University. He enjoys wandering through dramatic natural and urban landscapes in his free time, capturing the world's beauty with his 35mm SLR camera.
Edward Wagstaff's career is a testament to his versatility and passion for creativity. From his early years in Rome to his contributions to the entertainment industry and now his work with AI, he continues to evolve and leave his mark on multiple industries. Whether on set, in the writer's room, or working on cutting-edge technology, he remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons.
Portfolio: https://edwardwagstaff.com
