Reverie Filmmaking
A new way forward for filmmakers.
Reverie Filmmaking is a creative platform built to support indie filmmakers, content creators, and small businesses. Through free screenings, affordable services, and a genuine love for storytelling, they’re helping shape a more inclusive and accessible film industry. Reverie is inspired by a lost loved one, who was also a filmmaker, and every project is a tribute to her ambition.
We sat down with the founder, Steve Steve James Bird, to discuss his journey and dreams in creating films that make a difference.
Describe to us the origin story of Reverie Filmmaking. What spurred you to create this project?
Reverie started as a dream I shared with my late girlfriend, who was a brilliant actress I met at university. We wanted to make films that raised awareness for important issues, gave opportunities to new voices, and brought more South Asian talent, like her, into the spotlight. After losing her, I knew I had to carry that vision forward. Reverie is my way of keeping her spirit alive and continuing the dream we started together.
Is there anything that has surprised you in the process of creating this project from the ground up? What have you learned?
When I started Reverie, I was working a full-time sales job and doing this on the side—mainly out of fear of instability. But what surprised me was that I found more stability in running my own creative business than in my 9-to-5. I was more fulfilled and earning more too. It really showed me that sometimes the better path is, actually, the one you build yourself, rather than working for an employer who doesn’t necessarily have your best interests at heart.
What are the challenges you face running an independent collective supporting emerging filmmakers?
One of the biggest challenges is just getting people to show up. With social media so oversaturated, it’s hard to cut through the noise. Our ‘Fat, Black and Single’ screening sold out, but it took a huge amount of effort to make that happen. The good thing is, people left feeling inspired, and a lot of new connections were made, which led to attendees getting new job opportunities, including me. That kind of impact makes it all worth it.
How does Reverie differ from other organisations that support filmmakers/workers?
We’re trying to break down the barriers that usually set filmmakers back, financially and in terms of opportunity. We offer free premiere screenings for filmmakers—something no one else is doing—and soon we’ll be launching an affordable film kit rental service that undercuts the big names. As a leader, I don’t really care about making myself rich—I'm here to shake things up and create a more level playing field.
What is the importance of community to you as a creative?
Community means everything—it’s the backbone of the film industry. Right now, with everything the industry’s been through—COVID, the strikes, the rise of AI—we need each other more than ever.
It’s only by coming together that we can keep this industry alive and create something more inclusive and sustainable for the future.
What are your long-term goals and what would you like to achieve in the next 5 years?
I’ll be producing Reverie’s first short drama, We’ll Be Right Back After The Break, at some point. It’s raw, emotional, and explosive—and I’m aiming for it to win festival awards. After that, I’m writing a feature film called The Channel, which will be a wild, outlandish comedy. Both films are rooted in themes and characters my late girlfriend would’ve loved. I want to put more South Asian talent front and centre, and inspire the next generation. I also want to grow Reverie into a real community hub—hosting premieres across London, Birmingham and Manchester, offering the cheapest kit hire around, and one day, opening our own studio.
