Robert L. Edwards

He played in Viktor Hernandez’s Dollar Baby One For The Road as Booth.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Robert L. Edwards: My name is Robert L. Edwards, I am originally from Emporia, VA. I currently reside in the greater Charlotte, NC area. I have been living in this area for the past 8 years. My primary occupation is a college music professor and Director of Bands at a local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in addition to being a SAG-AFTRA-Eligible actor. As soon as I move towards being cast in more SAG-AFTRA productions, I will join the SAG-AFTRA union. I also hold a Doctoral degree in Education and Leadership with the focus on administration. One of my strongest qualities in music is music production, composition, and arranging for bands. I am also a trumpeter and an advocate for the performing and visual arts, especially for students and educators in arts education. I firmly believe that the performing and visual arts can develop the necessary soft skills that students need for the workforce.

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?

Robert L. Edwards: I wanted to become an actor since high school, but it was only a thought that I entertained in the back of my head at that time until 3 years ago. When I was younger, my insecurities prevented me from pursuing acting. Music has always been my main focus until now.

SKSM: How did you become involved in One for the Road Dollar Baby film?

Robert L. Edwards: I submitted a self-taped audition to Viktor Hernandez. I saw his casting call for One for the Road on the Southern Casting Call Facebook page.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Robert L. Edwards: For starters, it’s a story by Stephen King, even people that don’t like horror movies love Stephen King. I’m guessing this is due to his ability to write for different genres and connect with the imagination of people. I believe that people are attracted to this story because it takes place in the same Universe as his movie Salem’s Lot. Salem’s lot is one of Stephen King’s best films. From my understanding, the characters and events from One for the Road are connected to Salem’s Lot. Likewise, I believe that people are intrigued by vampires, and for some reason, they love to see movies that are based on these mysterious and supernatural creatures. In my option, it has been like this since the release of the vampire movie “Dracula” filmed back in 1931 which was based on the 1924 stage play Dracula by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. Since then people have always been attracted to these types of movies. I could go deeper, but my statement would be longer.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Robert L. Edwards: I auditioned for the role of Booth. I was so excited that Viktor decided to cast me for this project. When he told me that I was booked, I was so happy to be a part of a film connected to Stephen King.

SKSM: You worked with Viktor Hernandez on this film, how was that?

Robert L. Edwards: Viktor is a great filmmaker and actor, I learned so much from him and his leadership. He knows what he wants and how to communicate his vision. He is a very humble and professional guy. Once I found out about his previous works and found out that he is also a great actor I was so excited. While working with him, he did not disappoint my expectations of him as a director.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Robert L. Edwards: Yap, trying to avoid stepping in dog poop while on set at 1:00 am in the morning.

SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?

Robert L. Edward: I do keep in contact with the other two actors Jacqueline Dorry and Ligia Pressley via social media from time to time. I really enjoyed working with them on this project, they are great actresses.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Robert L. Edwards: Besides teaching music, I am working on perfecting my acting skills and learning about filmmaking which is an ongoing process. This experience helped me to I identify areas in my acting that need improvement. I am working on other film projects, beginning to focus more on film scoring, and auditioning for other projects at the moment. I am planning on working on a film myself soon. Currently, I am completing a wedding film project for an up and coming actress name Maritalyn Frazier. My goal at this point is to continue my acting classes, build my acting brand as well as my acting resume, and learn more about this industry.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Robert L. Edwards: Am I a fan! LORD YES! I have been a fan since I was a kid. I used to read Stephen King’s books and watched all his movies when I was younger. I’ve been a fan since I first saw the film Pet Sematary back in 1989, by the way, I am excited to see the remake. Stephen King can do no wrong in my eyes. I hope that I will be able to meet and work with him one day. Fingers crossed!!

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Robert L. Edwards: I believe my decision to pursue acting at this point in my life surprised people. I surprised a lot of my family and friends when they found out that I decided to pursue film. I think that people would be more surprised that acting is a stress reliever and that it helps me to escape my life and live the life of someone else.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Robert L. Edwards: Please support this project by watching and sharing once it has been released. I believe that the cast, myself, Carmen the writer, and Viktor’s adaptation of this story will not disappoint you.

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Robert L. Edwards: I am so grateful that Viktor gave me this opportunity to be a part of his project and that I wish him and the other cast and crew member all the best in their future pursuits. It is also remarkable that Stephen King created the Dollar Baby program so that filmmakers can have access to some of his works. I would like to also thank you for offering me this interview opportunity.

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