FRM,

Four Reel Media CIC is a community-focused media company dedicated to empowering individuals through music, visual arts and training. Our mission is to provide high-quality creative services while helping aspiring artists, producers, and filmmakers develop real-world skills.

Who we are, and why we do it

Four Reel Media CIC was founded in Croydon by a team of creatives committed to giving underrepresented artists a voice.

Our story began in 2001, when founder Mike Johnson opened his first recording studio in Streatham. By 2009, Four Reel Media was born, a collaborative project created by four creatives determined to make professional media production accessible to everyone.

By 2012, what started as a simple home studio had evolved into a community hub, providing opportunities for local artists to learn, record, and grow. Recognising the social impact of this work, the team partnered with Call Of The Wild to complete NVQ Level 4 Diplomas in Advice & Guidance, developing the skills to better support the people they served.

A detailed business plan soon followed, along with outreach to local councils and education boards. While early funding applications weren’t successful, the experience built the foundation for what Four Reel Media has become today, a community-driven organisation built on resilience, creativity, and belief in the power of access.

Since then, we’ve continued to develop music and video projects that support artists and give them practical tools to succeed. Our mission remains simple: to empower ordinary people with creative opportunities and the confidence to express themselves through media and training.