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
Jacob Sarkisian
Writer, Producer, Director
Producer of Street Shepherd
Jacob is a writer, director, and producer known for The Rainbow Crossing Academy, Spiff, The Boy and the Birthmark, and Mighty Like a Rose. He is currently producing the short film Street Shepherd. His work blends strong visual storytelling with intimate, character-driven narratives, marking him as an emerging voice in independent cinema.
Melissa Gordon Wilks
Actor, Producer, Creative
Producer at Reel Lantern Films
Melissa is a theatre, film and television 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.
In
development
Melissa Wilson has been announced as the Winner of the 2025 Euroscript Screen Story Competition.
Her winning script impressed the judges with its originality, strong storytelling, and compelling characters. As part of her prize, Melissa will receive:
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Three full Euroscript reports (10–15 pages each) giving expert analysis and development notes.
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One-to-one script doctoring support across three drafts, including meetings, phone calls, and email exchanges to refine the script.
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Professional marketing advice to prepare the project for the industry.
This recognition marks a huge step forward in Melissa’s creative journey, and she is excited to continue developing her script with the guidance and support of Euroscript’s industry experts.
Stay tuned for updates as Melissa’s story comes to life!
Donate
Background
Street Shepherd is happening. Our budget is £20k, and with £15k already raised from industry professionals, we just need the final 25% — that’s where you come in.
This story is about community, hope, and fighting to see the good in people when life tries to take that hope away. In times like these, we need stories like this.
We’re ready to roll: cast and crew are locked, dates and locations booked. This isn’t a “maybe” project — it’s real, and your support makes you part of it.
The short will also launch a feature film, backed by an award-winning script. Every pound goes directly to paying our team fairly and getting the kit we need.
One donation brings us closer. Be part of a film that spreads hope — and take a look at the rewards we’ve created as a thank you.
Our gifts to you for your donation
- £100 – Receive a special thank you credit
- £250 – Appear in the film’s final scene
- £500 – All of the above, plus an Associate Producer credit. You (or a friend/family member) will also be invited to join the team as a Production Assistant for a day – a great credit to have on this project.
- £750 – All of the above, but with a Co-Executive Producer credit instead of Associate Producer.
- £1000 – All of the above, but with an Executive Producer credit instead of Co-Executive Producer.
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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