Our Vision
Reel Lantern Films exists to shine a light on overlooked stories and voices,creating bold,authentic films that spark empathy, challenge systems and illuminate hope from the margins.
Melissa Wilson
Writer, Director, Actor, Producer
Founder of Reel Lantern Films
Melissa is an actress, writer and director whose work is rooted in lived experience of working-class communities, recovery and faith. Melissa trained to be a vicar for the Church of England before she left disillusioned. As Writer and Director of Street Shepherd, Melissa brings authenticity and compassion to stories of outsiders, dignity and connection
Melissa J Gordon
Actor, Producer, Writer
Producer at Reel Lantern Films
Melissa is a television, theatre,and film actress, now working as Producer of the short film Street Shepherd. Best known for her role as Jackie Wright in Grange Hill, her career spans four decades across acting and production in both film and television, highlighting her versatility and creative talent.
Melissa has recently won 3 awards for her short screenplay
'Wrong Feet'
Thank you for those that contributed
Background
From Crowdfunding to the Festival Circuit
Thanks to your incredible support, we raised the final £5,000 needed to make Street Shepherd happen.
We shot the film in North London in December 2025 and premiered it in May 2026. Since then, Street Shepherd has begun its journey on the festival circuit — and we’re proud to announce that it has been selected for a BIFA-qualifying festival. Watch this space for more news.
Earlier in 2026, Reel Lantern Films also produced another short, The Shoes, starring Andrea Lowe, written and directed by Melissa Wilson and produced by Melissa J. Gordon.
The Shoes has also been selected for a BIFA-qualifying festival — with more to be revealed soon.
Two films. Two festival journeys. And it all started with the support of people who believed in independent filmmaking.
Thank you for being part of it.
Nikki Gordon, Bonnie Broadway, Beth Garrod, LB, Claire Reda, Anna, Aaron R Hook
Father Robert Thompson, Rachel Morris, Amanda Tinker, Brooke Jones, John Hill, Wilson Haagens, Frank Boyce, Ilario, John Anthony Hughes, Di Ashby, Lisa Montgomery,Sydney Webster, Donna Findlay, Charlotte and residents of Peckwater estate, Caroline Myers
Diane Fitzpatrick, Jake, Lakesha Arie-Angelo, Oliver S, K and M, Mariana Mazzucato
Patrick Rogers, Ioanina Pavel, Joelle Williams, Ella McCallum, Harriet, Emma Andrews
Neil Keeling, Sam Nicklin, Lavinia Burch, Stephen O'Connor, Anselm Peters, Lisa Woodward
Stephanie Joalland, Finn, Sam Rix, Ginevra Pesenti, Howard Lee, Leah Thomason Bromberg
Erol Abujuma, Zoë Nathenson, Sharon Duncan Brewster, Donna O'Sullivan, Ryan Wheeler
Tammy Riley-Smith, Emma Rowley, Gerard Logan, Giles Edward, Neil Lockley, Linda and Pauline
Patricia Hanrahan, Yeree Woo, Cara Bachman, Margeret McLean, Tyrone Black,Alexis Burke
Cindy, Jason Fly, Philip Weeks, Sandy, Krassi, Alice Murray, Leslie Jame Gall, Fiona Wood
David Maher, Denise, Billy King, Al Moobs, Layla Kelly, Anonymous donors on Crowdfunder
Friends of Bill W
Gallery
Feel free to browse through my gallery images below.
Jake Wood
As Father Peter in Street Shepherd
In Street Shepherd, Jake steps into the role of Father Peter. This marks a new departure from his most familiar characters, bringing him into a role grounded in spiritual authority, compassion, and moral complexity. Father Peter is a character with weight: Jake's ability to portray depth and internal struggle—which went into his portrayal of Max Branning—makes him well-suited to give Father Peter dimension and gravitas.
Jason Flemyng Backs Street Shepherd
Celebrated British actor Jason Flemyng has thrown his support behind Street Shepherd. Known for his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and countless film and television projects, Jason brings both industry weight and heartfelt encouragement to the film.
Jason is firmly behind the project and its vision. His belief in Street Shepherd reflects the story’s potential to resonate with audiences and the strength of the team bringing it to life.
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