Toby Wagstaff

Edward Toby Wagstaff is a writer, editor, and script consultant who focuses on entertainment and conversational AI. Originally from the United Kingdom, he graduated with first-class honors in Philosophy and Modern Languages (Italian) from the University of Oxford. Currently based in the United States, he continues to thrive in his creative endeavors.

During his studies, Toby spent a year in Rome at the Università degli Studi Roma Tre, where he took courses in cinema and art history. He also volunteered as a teaching assistant and directed a student production of The Importance of Being Earnest. His time there allowed him to work as an English tutor and develop a passion for photography, capturing the city's historic beauty.

After completing his education, Toby began his career in London's film industry, working in script analysis and production coordination at Studio 8 Productions and Peace Arch Films. His experience was further enriched by an internship on the BBC series Monarch of the Glen, where he gained hands-on knowledge in film editing, sound mixing, and color correction.

In 2004, Toby's first significant on-set experience occurred with the feature film Shadows in the Sun, starring Harvey Keitel and Joshua Jackson. Shot in Tuscany and London, he served as an assistant to the producers and translator and even took on the role of an on-screen double for the lead actor.

Later that year, Toby moved to Los Angeles, taking on the role of Creative Executive at Fierce Entertainment. Here, he played a crucial part in developing the company's first in-house feature, War, starring Jet Li and Jason Statham, while also expanding the company's buyers' rep operation. His passion for writing led him to Original Content, where he focused on discovering and mentoring new screenwriters.

Transitioning to full-time screenwriting, Toby saw his first spec script, Arena, optioned by Summit Entertainment in 2008. Over the following years, he continued to write and sell screenplays, including thrillers like The Day I Die and dramas like Break My Bones. His work also includes assignments such as the adaptation of the graphic novel Shrapnel and romantic comedy rewrites for television.