Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin L. Williams II.
Edwin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, I’ve always had a passion for storytelling, entertainment, and being a bit over the top. So one night, while driving home from work, I saw a digital billboard promoting an acting college near Downtown Dallas. I had not acted in anything since high school, but something pulled me towards looking up the college and finding out more about it. So I enrolled back in 2013, and before you knew it, I had my Associate in Applied Arts Degree from KD Conservatory. While I was there, I was given some advice from one of my instructors that I may have to pave my way. I don’t have a look as far as getting the book for a role on appearance alone. So how do I get someone to give me a chance? The answer to that question came in the form of a person. Alfonso Davis III is perhaps the biggest reason I’ve been successful. He was already doing YouTube skits before I met him at acting school. He wrote, filmed, edited, and performed in all of his content. I was asked to play in one of his skits. Of course, I took that opportunity and made the most of it. I asked the question about his process, how he edited, and what I should do to get started. He was accommodating and guiding me in my early years.
I developed my first web series, “Lights Up,” and during that time, I caught the attention of Phyllis Cicero. She hired Alfonso and me to produce a commercial, my first one. From there, book trailers, and original short films: “Choices,” “Skillman Files,” “Dallas Housewives,” and “Secede.” Photography happened during this time as well for me. With the help from my friend LaMildredetta Hudson, I founded Digital ELW Photography. 100’s of shoots and 1000’s of pictures later, it is still going strong. I was asked to direct projects from other people and also be their cinematographer. I have a feature film titled “The Jesus Freak” that can be seen on Amazon. I mention these things because, as I said before, I wanted any chance I could to be seen and have a shot at acting on camera possibly. I performed on short films and did extra work on network and cable television shows. One agency finally saw enough of me to offer me a spot on their roster. Core Talent Agency signed me in 2016, but that didn’t mean the work stopped. I continued performing on camera for different short films and recently a featured film titled FusterCluck. I have my own short film “Destiny Deferred” scheduled to release along with other projects on the docket. The road was a scenic route.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road was not smooth. I took some left turns when I should’ve gone right. I learned a lot over the years. Bad contracts, trust in the wrong people, not completing projects, and even death during production have been my struggles. My self doubt and insecurities have been the toughest challenges to overcome. Am I good enough? Will people like this? What am I doing? These questions come to mind, but I take a deep breath, continue to march forward, and face them as best I can.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Digital ELW Productions includes Digital ELW Films and Digital ELW Photography. I specialize in affordable photography for Actors, Models, events, and everything in between. However, I’m more known for my film and video work. From everyday life events to scripted media, Digital ELW is trusted to deliver top quality work. I am adaptable and able to think on the fly in any situation. I have a small in house products that can meet any need. Editing capabilities, lighting, and current industry level equipment is what you can expect if I show up on your set.
What were you like growing up?
I was introverted but a class clown at the same time. I figured people couldn’t make fun of you if you had them laughing. It might not have been that helpful, and I might have annoyed a teacher or friend. My interest are boxing, wrestling, history, reading, video games, movies of course, and tv. I have a very active imagination; so instead of day dreaming, I was coming up with mini-movies even back as a kid.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://digitalelw.weebly.com
- Phone: 214-347-6480
- Email: digitalelwfilms@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/babyboy3686/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Digitalelwphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/babyboy3686
Image Credit:
Landon Brands
Dalton Glover
Alfonso Davis III
Neeraj Gupta
Digital ELW Photography
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