Toby Wagstaff
Writer, Film & TV
Edward Toby Wagstaff, a prominent writing, editing, and script consultancy figure, embarked on his academic journey in the United Kingdom. He distinguished himself at the University of Oxford, graduating with first-class honors in Philosophy and Modern Languages, specializing in Italian. This foundational education honed his analytical skills and deepened his appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Immersive Experience in Rome
Toby's academic pursuits took a practical turn when he spent a year in Rome as part of his degree program. He delved into cinema and art history at the Università degli Studi Roma Tre. His passion for education manifested as he volunteered as a teaching assistant in the English department and directed a production of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" with a cast of Italian students. This period also saw him nurturing his hobby of photography, capturing the essence of Rome through his lens while working as an English tutor.
Transition to the Film Industry in London
Upon returning from Italy and completing his studies, Toby ventured into the London film scene. His career commenced at Studio 8 Productions and Peace Arch Films, where his responsibilities ranged from writing script coverage to coordinating logistics for film productions. His stint in post-production for the BBC's "Monarch of the Glen" gave him valuable insights into film editing, sound mixing, and color correction, crucial skills in his growing toolkit.
On-Set Experiences in Tuscany
2004 was a pivotal year for Toby as he gained his first significant on-set experience with the film "Shadows in the Sun," featuring stars like Harvey Keitel and Joshua Jackson. He undertook multiple roles in Tuscany and London, from assisting producers to translating for the crew. He even stepped in as an on-screen double, showcasing his versatility and commitment to filmmaking.
Establishing Roots in Los Angeles
In the latter part of 2004, Edward Wagstaff relocated to Los Angeles to join Fierce Entertainment as a Creative Executive. Here, he played a vital role in developing the company's first complete in-house feature project, "War," starring Jet Li and Jason Statham. His efforts to expand the company's buyers' rep operation significantly boosted its client base and established him as a critical player.
Literary Management and Screenwriting
Realizing his true calling in writing and editing, Toby transitioned to Original Content, a boutique literary management agency. Here, he dedicated himself to discovering and nurturing new screenwriting talent. His success in managing and expanding the client roster was complemented by his involvement in the Ugandan hip-hop documentary "Diamonds in the Rough," where he earned an associate producer credit.
Full-Time Screenwriting
Toby's deep engagement with screenwriting eventually led him to become a full-time screenwriter. After successfully optioning his first spec script, "Arena," in 2008, his career took off as he continued to sell scripts and secure open writing assignments across various genres. His portfolio grew to include notable screenplays like "The Day I Die," "Break My Bones," and "Powerhouse."
Exploring Conversational AI
Following the Writers' Guild of America strike in 2023, Toby explored the burgeoning field of conversational AI. His work involved writing and editing for AI models, where he leveraged his extensive writing experience. Despite his involvement in AI, he remains a staunch believer in the irreplaceable creativity of human writers, even as he acknowledges the significant potential of AI in addressing global issues like climate change and sustainability.
Life Beyond the Screen
Besides his professional life, Toby enjoys a rich personal life filled with music, photography, fencing, and nature explorations. An accomplished musician, he plays guitar and bass and has been involved in music since his teenage years. A former top-ranked youth fencer, he cherishes his time outdoors, capturing landscapes on his 35mm SLR camera or traversing the world's national parks.
Toby Wagstaff's journey from an Oxford graduate to a luminary in screenwriting and AI showcases a life of passion, creativity, and an unyielding pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Portfolio 1: https://tobywagstaff.com/
Portfolio 2: https://tobywagstaffca.com/
