Meet Edwin L. Williams II | Actor, Filmmaker & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edwin L. Williams II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edwin L., every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Opportunity! There are those who wait for opportunity to knock on their door, and then there are those who lack patiences that decide to create their own opportunity. I originally went to KD Conservatory to become an actor; however, I knew that after I graduated, I had some strikes against me such as being a new actor and being racially ambiguous and not having the traditional actor look. I acted in a couple of short films and was an extra in multiple national tv shows, but in my heart, I knew I was meant for more. That was when I started writing my own scripts, filming them, acting in them, and most importantly providing opportunities for other artists (i.e. actors, models, filmmakers, singers, etc.),. Under the guidance of Ilyssa Pettigrew, I developed a business strategy that covered visual, audio, and photography. What I was doing was not a hobby anymore but something that could create fiscal opportunities. Digital ELW Productions began as a dream, but is every bit a reality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
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. 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. As for my story, 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 got my Associate in Applied Arts Degree from KD Conservatory. While I was there my instructor, John S. Davies gave me some advice that I may have to pave my own way. I don’t have that traditional “Hollywood” look. 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 questions about his process, how he edited, and what I should do to get started. He provided the foundation during my earlier 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 was also director of photography for award winning short film “Hide Your Love Away” and the upcoming film “Sasquatch Senpai.” I have my own short film “Destiny Deferred” scheduled to release along with other projects such as “Remember the Motherboard,” and “Satan’s Square at Sunset Avenue.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Places to visit- I would take my friend to the Reunion Tower, the Japanese Garden at Kidd Springs Park, and Bishop Arts Theater Center if there is a play going on, Food wise, I would recommend Bob’s Steak & Chop House, 12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse, Cane Rosso (Deep Ellum)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Phyllis Cicero – She was my mentor who believed in me when everything was a dream. Thanks to her, she booked me to produce my first commercial when I freshly graduated from KD Conservatory. She opened doors for me by connecting me with other Dallas creatives including Marcus M. Mauldin, Teresa Coleman-Wash and Bishop Arts Theater Center. During the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we developed a children’s series “Front Porch Fables with Phylly Marie” for Dallas Theater Center and The Latino Cultural Arts Center. She allowed me to serve as her Senior Audio Engineer in her voice over classes and for independent voice over artists, Alfonso Davis, creator of the hit podcast “The Why You…? Podcas‪t”‬ is another contributor towards my success. 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. Through his guidance, I learned how to get a project started along with editing films. LaMildredetta Hudson – She was the one who encouraged me into photography and making it into a business. She taught me the concept of branding and making a good first impression. John S. Davies – He was my theater instructor who provided me a very valuable lesson that I carry to this day. He advised me to create my own path. Without his advice, I would not be even doing this interview. Ilyssa Pettigrew – She was the one who believed in my dream before I even had that dream.

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