Today we’d like to introduce you to Tobi Edward.
Tobi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am an up-and-coming actor. I have so far worked background for the films Shazam 2, Landscape With Invisible Hand, and the hit TV show Black Mafia Family (BMF). I started my acting journey around the early stages of the pandemic. With everyone stuck in the house during that time, television was a prime source of entertainment for everyone including me. I was able to watch shows like All American, Outer Banks, Snowfall, You, and then a certain wave of inspiration hit me. It was an interesting realization because being an actor almost goes against who I am personally. I would say I am on the more introverted side so it definitely caused me to step out my comfort zone. With that, I took acting and modeling classes throughout the pandemic to perfect my craft. Shortly after I graduated and started going out for jobs. Things definitely got slow for a moment but in the summer of 2021, I was blessed to be able to be a background actor for Shazam 2. Being on a movie set for me was a great feeling because it reaffirmed my choice to become an actor. Since then, I have been able to do two more films as a background actor. While it is a blessing, I didn’t come to this industry to sit on the sidelines. I want to be on the big screens. It will definitely take time but with the connections I’ve made in Atlanta and my drive to be the best, it’s only a matter of time before I’m on the big screen. Currently, I am developing my for a short film which is going to be self-funded and I can’t wait to show you guys what’s in store.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely not been easy. One of the biggest misconceptions about the industry is “immediate success”. Creating opportunities in this industry takes a lot of hard work, networking, and persistent will. I didn’t book a job until eight months after I graduated from my acting classes. Networking with like-minded people in the city has helped in terms of getting my name out there. To add to that, I always second-guessed my own ability’s to perform at the level I envisioned. But with the work I’ve put in, I have grow confident in my own abilities. So my journey isn’t a linear one but with the things I have in store and the ideas I have come together with, I can only go up from here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Like I’ve said before, I am an actor going on for about three years now. I’ve been in multiple projects as a background actor, and I am currently working on my first independent short film. One quality that I would say separates me from the rest is my reason for acting in the first place. When people usually start out in the industry, they think about all the fame and potential wealth they can get from this profession. But my fascination lies within storytelling and making people feel something when you watch a TV show or film. I just want to have an impact to inspire people who look like me to continue to follow their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: oluwatobiedwardbiz@gmail.com
- Instagram: tobiedward_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OLUP?fbclid=PAAaYIwH6DzxaEuQnAM2FlkyToYg1HXdOr5NsbRj-cbWktRdy4OjBKOtMK_C4
Image Credits
Brian Jones Photography
