Multihyphenate Film Pro Tom Edwards Shines Behind the Scenes
In the film industry it’s not uncommon for someone to where many hats behind the scenes, but few are able to take on as many pivotal roles across multiple departments quite like Tom Edwards. Over the years Edwards has directed more than 15 projects, produced more than 25, and served as the cinematographer, editor and writer on various others.
Edwards recently directed and produced commercials for Vancouver Lamborghini, popular Canadian suit company Garrison Bespoke and the Shaolin Temple in Los Angeles, as well as the music videos for blues artist Sunny War’s ‘I Gotta Live It,’ The Main Squeeze’s ‘Only Time,’ Taimane’s ‘Fire’ and more.
“I believe being emotionally invested in a project is so important, no matter the position, you have to feel strongly about making the film, or who is? Especially if you’re both the director and producer,” says Edwards.
Over the years Edwards has earned numerous accolades for his work as a director and producer. At the very start of his career he garnered widespread attention as the producer and director of the film “Ninety One: A Tainted Page,” which took home the awards for Best Overall Film, Best Actor and Best International Baccalaureate Film at the Shanghai Student Film Festival, and was chosen as an Official Selection of the International Youth Film Festival. Though he was just getting started in the industry, it was clear that Edwards was destined for big things.
With several projects under his belt he went on to work as a producer on Israeli director Alon Juwal’s dramatic sci-fi film “Visitors.” An overwhelming success, the film shined a light on Edwards knack for producing when it earned the Festival Awards from the New York International Film Festival and the Laughlin International Film Festival, the Honorable Mention Award from the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, as well as a slew of other nominations.
While both of these films definitely catapulted him into the spotlight and revealed him as a multitalented figure behind the scenes internationally, they are only the tip of the iceberg. From directing and producing striking music videos and commercials to captivating narrative films, Edwards tireless attention to the story is what guides his creative process.
He says, “Good cinema is good storytelling. Good cinema should make you feel something. You always want to come out of the cinema feeling something. It should instill emotions inside of you.”
Growing up in St. Albans, England, where he lived until the age of 10 when he relocated to Shanghai, China with his family, Edwards discovered his passion for using film and photography as a medium for storytelling early on.
“Nothing made me more excited than playing with a camera. I used to take my family’s camera whenever I went. If I went on holiday or a school field trip. Everyday of the holiday I would upload all the best photos and videos to my computer and start editing,” recalls Edwards. “By the end of the trip I would have a short film to share with my family and friends. I would piece together my favorite moments, add music and export the videos. A pattern started to emerge.”
From the early days of experimenting with what he could create with his first camera to present day where he guides entire film crews and often handles hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gear, Edwards has continued to push his skills to evolve in order to make better stories.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work in a wide range of different mediums spanning across feature films, shorts, documentaries, corporate, educational, music videos and online content. Although all very different in terms of style, nearly all still evolve around story,” explains Edwards. “Having been exposed to all types of different mediums, it has allowed me to expand my skills as a director and producer giving me a wider understanding for each one.”
Much of his evolution as a director and producer stems from his willingness to take on different roles behind the scenes. Not one to shy away from a good project, he’s succeeded as a cinematographer, cameraman and videographer where his mastery behind the lens has undeniably set him apart.
His skill with a camera led him to be tapped to shoot BTS footage for a slew of hit music videos such as Enrique Iglesias’ ‘EL BAÑO ft. Bad Bunny,’ which has over 310 million views on YouTube, Joey Montana and Sebastián Yatra’s ‘Suena El Dembow,’ which has over 200 million views and Becky G’s ‘Zooted feat. French Montana and Farruko,’ which has over 31 million views.
“Working with Tom is knowing that you will get a reliable person, he’s always ready to do all the necessary work. He is committed to each project,” explains Daniela Sanchez, the executive producer of the music video for Becky G’s ‘Zooted.’ “He’s a proactive person, that is always willing to work until the job is done. He has initiative, understands exactly what is needed from him and always has the best attitude.”
In 2017, in the midst of balancing his work as a director and producer on several of his own projects, Edwards was invited to come on board as the camera operator for RGK & Sabrina Kern’s ‘Alone Land’ music video directed by horror film heavyweight Darren Bousman, the director of the films “Saw II,” “Saw III” and “Saw IV.”
Though his work as a producer and director in his own right are what led UK born filmmaker Tom Edwards to achieve such an illustrious career, his experience behind the scenes in various departments over the years are what have made him such a powerful force when it comes to producing and directing projects.
