Nate Edwards on Highlighting the Extraordinary Within the Everyday
When the person behind the camera is a deep thinker it makes all the difference. You can feel the heart and soul that’s gone into a project, it bounces off the screen. And that’s exactly why Invisible Collective filmmaker Nate Edwards’ canon of work resonates so deeply with audiences.
When I sit down to interview him I quickly learn that he is a very introspective, emotionally perceptive person – sentimental, even, at times. And this makes sense, it is reflected in his deeply personal, relatable and culturally-attuned work.
In our conversation, we discuss his debut feature She Taught Love - released in late 2024 to great reverence - and the unique creative journey that brought it to life. I learn how his career in commercials and music videos helped build the endurance and skills needed to knuckle down and craft a feature length project, and how the complex emotional experiences of his formative years continue to inspire the creative decisions he makes as a multidisciplinary storyteller.
LBB> First things first, congrats on your debut film, She Taught Love, which came out earlier this year! When did you first read the script, and what was it about the story that made you want to get involved?
Nate> Thank you! I first read the script in 2022, and it immediately struck a chord with me. The story felt both fresh and deeply relatable—almost like it was reflecting my own life at a pivotal intersection. The characters were written with such honesty, and the script evoked a full spectrum of emotions. From the moment I finished reading, I could clearly envision how I wanted to bring it to life. Beyond the script, it was the team’s passion and energy that truly drew me in. Everyone involved resonated with the story in a way that elevated every part of the process.
LBB> The film has garnered attention for its unique storytelling approach. What inspired the film, and how did you navigate the transition from directing short form to crafting a full-length narrative?
Nate> I drew inspiration from a range of films that transcend genre, including Before Sunrise, In the Mood for Love, Boomerang, Parasite, Past Lives, Ran, and Arrival. These films taught me the importance of creating stories that are both intimate and expansive, and that’s what I aimed for with She Taught Love.
My DP, Justin Deery, and I focused on letting the film breathe—creating a meditative experience that still captivates. A big challenge was making Los Angeles feel like a character in the story, not just a backdrop. The transition to feature-length filmmaking was definitely daunting, but I leaned heavily on my incredible team, mentorship, and years of preparation.
My background in commercials and music videos with artists like Tobe Nwigwe helped me build the endurance and problem-solving skills needed for a project of this scope.
LBB> Were there specific challenges or creative freedoms that stood out during production?
Nate> The biggest challenge, hands down, was time. Shooting in Los Angeles is already a logistical feat, and doing it on a compressed 20-day schedule added an extra layer of intensity. It forced my team and me to be hyper-intentional about what we needed to accomplish each day. Every decision was deliberate, and that pressure ultimately sharpened our focus and elevated the final product.
LBB> I hear you’re a proud Houston native. How does this cultural identity influence your creative approach, process, and style? Did your upbringing shape your artistic voice?
Nate> Absolutely. In She Taught Love, I romanticised Los Angeles the way I see Houston—with its vibrant hues, the interplay of light, and its architectural diversity. Growing up, my family and my relationships with my parents and siblings had a profound impact on my perspective. Family is an ever-present theme in my work, and I often draw from the love and complexity I experienced growing up to inform the emotional core of my stories.
LBB> You describe yourself as a “Magical Realism Specialist.” What does that mean to you?
Nate> For me, magical realism is about highlighting the extraordinary within the everyday. Initially, it was how I portrayed Houston—transforming its real-life spaces into something almost mythical through my lens. Over time, it’s evolved into how I tell stories about my community, particularly Black men and women. My approach blurs the lines between reality and imagination, rooting my narratives in authenticity while elevating them to something transcendent.
LBB> Your recent work with Hyundai showcases your ability to tell compelling stories in a commercial format. What was the creative vision behind this project, and how did you balance brand messaging with creativity?
nate> Culture Brands laid the groundwork with a brilliant concept—rooted in culture and infused with a playful nod to Love & Basketball. The storyline was centered on a character expressing love for his partner through his admiration for the car, which added a personal touch. My job was to make it visually engaging and elevate it to feel cinematic, almost like something you’d see outside of a traditional ad. I wanted the audience to pause and question if they were watching a Hyundai commercial because of how immersive it felt.
LBB> Your visual style is both dynamic and cinematic. How do you approach cinematography differently in commercials versus feature films?
Nate> I approach both with meticulous attention to detail, but the biggest difference is pacing. In commercials, you have seconds to make an impact, so every frame has to be intentional and efficient. With features, you have more room to let moments breathe and unfold. The common thread is crafting a visual language that enhances the story, regardless of format.
LBB> As a director, how do you navigate the balance between artistic freedom and meeting client expectations in the commercial space?
Nate> It starts with understanding the “why” behind a client’s vision. Once I grasp the intention behind their input, it becomes easier to find creative solutions that elevate their ideas while preserving my artistic voice. Collaboration is key—it’s about building trust and showing that I’m just as invested in the success of the project as they are.
LBB> Looking back over your career so far, is there a project that you believe best encapsulates your signature style or ethos?
Nate> That’s a tough one because I feel like my style is still evolving. Every project has been a step toward defining my voice, and I hope my work continues to expand into something that feels like its own universe. Right now, I’m more focused on what’s ahead than on what’s behind me.
LBB> Makes sense! Ok, so let’s look forward – what new creative realms are you looking to explore? How will Invisible Collective help you navigate them?
Nate> Comedy is a space I’m eager to explore on the commercial side, and I’m continuing to hone my craft in both short and long-form filmmaking. I’ve also started writing my own projects. Invisible Collective understands the direction I want to take my career and consistently helps align opportunities that support my growth.
LBB> How has Invisible Collective helped facilitate your aspirations? Why did you choose to sign with them?
Nate> Invisible Collective has been an incredible support system. Whether it’s a commercial, a personal project, or a feature film screening, they’ve always had my back. I chose them because of their intentionality—they care deeply about their collaborators and the work they take on. It’s a boutique agency, but their impact is massive. They’ve created an environment where I feel truly valued as an artist.
