Formally educated as an electrical engineer, Roger Edwards has worked as an engineer and technical writer for several Fortune 500 telecommunications companies after graduating from North Carolina State University. With aspirations (since high school) in the entertainment industry, Roger used his spare time to engage in a variety of creative writing efforts—including screenwriting. His producer preparation has been multifaceted and has included involvement in various phases of theatre and film production—such as assistant directing for community theatre, as well as working as PA, Grip and Sound Recordist on low-budget film/music video productions.

 

A series of successes followed: Roger’s first teleplay was locally produced for a children’s fantasy drama series (“SPARKS,” WRAL-TV)—which led to a two-year staff writing position. His first short screenplay took the First Place prize in a screenwriting competition. His second short screenplay earned him a Finalist nod in the ABC Entertainment/Walt Disney Studios Talent Development Program. His first feature screenplay was quickly optioned. And his TV spec for the “2 BROKE GIRLS” sitcom nabbed Finalist in the Filmmatic Comedy Screenplay Awards.

 

These successes prompted Roger to take his passion to the next level and enroll in the Hollywood Film Institute’s Film Producing Program and to later enroll in USC’s School of Cinema-Television MBA program. Unfortunately, he had to give up his seat in the prestigious program to address an urgent family matter—requiring his personal involvement and financial assistance. Although, putting family first meant missing that “door of opportunity,” he decided to form his own company (Cool Breeze Communications)—for prying those “doors of opportunity” back open again.

 

When a collaboration with his friends Jim McQuaid (Dir. of Photography, Turnip Films) and Eric Johnson (VP, Trailblazer Studios) provided an opportunity to write, direct, and co-produce his first short film, Roger was ready. And “Trouble in the Water” was the result. After starting off as a finalist in the ABC Entertainment/Walt Disney Studios Talent Development Program, “Trouble in the Water” went on to resonate with audiences as the official selection of nine film festivals before being selected to air on PBS during the 13th season of NC Visions—an independent film showcase. What a blessing for a first, “short” film!