We had the good fortune of connecting with Edward Reid and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Edward, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Regardless of success, people need to realize that it can all be taken away in a moment. I had always known this and recognized the importance of what I had before anyone noticed me, and I’m grateful for true friends and family. If everything came crumbling down, I’d still have those who loved me before this public success.
We should be grateful for what we have and not be anxious about what we don’t have.
I also was successful in other areas before getting involved in the entertainment industry as an educator and historian. That has given me insight and experience that others may not have.
You have to take risks when you’re involved in anything related to creativity, and you must have thick skin; if you don’t, you will not make it. I realize this, and the art world is not for those afraid to be criticized. People sometimes go out of their way to demean you out of spite or jealousy, but you cannot let that stop you.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My involvement in the film industry is unconventional. I do not have a film or entertainment background; I came upon this by chance but immersed myself as a storyteller. As a writer, that came easily, but it took some time.
I actually found a gig working as an extra. I had the opportunity to watch how films were made from scratch, and I was intrigued with, but not so much with, the shows; I felt those were lacking in substance, but perhaps that is a reflection of society. I wanted to write something that could have more substance, so I did. I taught myself screenwriting and brought my laptop to set, where I began writing shorts.
I was able to connect with a few people interested in my stories, and they helped me film short “sizzle reels,”
With that, I was able to make award-winning short films., yet I realized it was difficult for people in the independent film community to find cast and crew for their projects. Hence, I founded the Atlanta Film Production Group, which has thrived. This group has evolved into the largest and most active Facebook group in Atlanta for those seeking collaboration.
It has expanded now for larger entertainment companies seeking crews from around the world, and many films have found distribution through the group, as did mine.
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A feature film I wrote, acted in, and produced is now distributed worldwide. This was after several short films and a pilot, so it took some time to build a resume worthy of getting funders for the project.
Of course, there were pitfalls along the way, but I always tried to learn from my mistakes and act wisely. I have also come across some shady characters and know it’s essential not to take people at their word, especially in this industry. There are people that will take advantage of you if you’re not careful.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am more of a homebody, but I set up mixers for my group, and I can recommend places for people that may like the nightlife, like 6 Feet Under and Manual’s Tavern.
Also, the graveyard has a unique history, and they offer tours. It may sound a bit dark, but I enjoy visiting graveyards for the art and remembering that life is short and life is not certain.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a writer, I find inspiration from other writers. Some of those that have impacted my life and instilled wisdom and integrity into my philosophy of living are William James, Victor Frankl, and Marcus Aurelius. They have impacted me on several levels, especially in grasping the meaning of life and what it means to live a good life. This is an area where I am active as a writer. Besides screenwriting, I publish on psychology, philosophy, and how to make our lives worth living, with a slight hope I can help others.
“Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.”
– Viktor Frankl
Website: www.imdb.com/name/nm7073263/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_edward_reid/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/edwardoreid/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgainstRevisio1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007177365640
Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/edwardreidpolishtruth
Other: Facebook group: Atlanta Film Production Group: www.facebook.com/groups/243624842363778
Image Credits
Michael Mueller – E-Lister Poster Design In the picture where speaking, I am with Michael Kam. In the picture with the clipboard, I am with Ben Beeler.