Edward’s lifelong passion for film began in the most unexpected way: as a child, wandering onto the set of Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo while on holiday in the 1970s. The buzz of the crew, the actors, and the energy of filmmaking sparked something in him, a fascination that never left.
Although he pursued physics at university, Edward gravitated toward the arts and social sciences, preferring to spend time with creative minds (and the film club), and in 1986, he first appeared as a supporting artist in the French film Désordre. Despite early aspirations to break into film, Edward followed a traditional path—one that took him into the world of software, where he contributed to cutting-edge projects like the Boeing 777 and the precursor to contactless payments.
However, the storyteller within could not be silenced. In parallel with his management career, he founded an immersive theatre troupe and served as the artistic director for English Heritage’s Halloween Horrors productions. He wrote and produced numerous immersive experiences over 15 years, perfecting the art of captivating audiences through narrative and interaction. Though the troupe’s ambitions to go international were cut short, Edward’s passion for storytelling only grew. His work and civic achievements earned him recognition in the International Who’s Who of Professionals in 2001.
Returning to the corporate world, Edward built a successful web design company and later ventured into hospitality, launching a group of restaurants. Yet, despite his success, something was missing—his creative heart craved the power of film.
In early 2020, Edward’s journey took an unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke. Now fully recovered, this moment became a profound catalyst for reflection, pushing him to reassess his career and prioritise his true passion for storytelling. Determined to bring together his lifetime of experience in business, technology, and theatre, Edward committed fully to becoming a filmmaker and actor. He trained with industry leaders such as The Actors Pulse, Raindance, and the British Action Academy, combining his business skills with his artistic vision.
And thus, Black Squid Films was born—a production company built on the ethos of “Creare, Commovēre, Illuminare”: to create, to move, and to illuminate. Whether working on horror, sci-fi, or thriller, Edward’s films ask the audience to challenge assumptions, often blending real-world themes with gripping, imaginative storytelling.
At the heart of his work lies a desire to craft films that not only entertain but provoke thought and stir the soul, drawing on his vast experiences from multiple industries to lead diverse teams in bringing these visions to life.
Artistic Director – English Heritage Halloween Horrors 1998/1999
International Who’s Who of Professionals – 2001
Costume Standby Women Unite NFT – 2022
Jury Member – Lift Off Manchester 2024
Assistant Producer The Writ – 2024
