Meet Steve Rahman | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Rahman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For me, it wasn’t just about building something for myself — it was about being present for my family. Living in Charlotte, a 20-minute commute can easily turn into an hour, and most days, it did. So on top of an 8-hour workday, I was losing 2 extra hours just sitting in traffic. That meant I was only getting maybe an hour a day with my kids.

That didn’t sit right with me.

I wanted more time with them — to be there for the little things and the big ones. Starting my own business became the path to that. I knew I had the skills and drive, but more importantly, I had the reason. My “why” was simple: I didn’t want to miss out on what matters most.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a filmmaker. I love telling stories—whether it’s for people, brands, or anyone with something meaningful to say. What sets me apart? Honestly, I’m not sure. There are so many talented filmmakers and directors I look up to. At this point, everything’s been done in some form, so I don’t claim to be reinventing the wheel. But what I do strive for is to run a production company that feels less like a transaction and more like a long-time friendship. I want my clients to feel like we’ve known each other for years.

Right now, I’m filming an eight-episode series called CULTURED. Charlotte has always been a city with a lot of opinions around its culture—especially online. Lately, it feels like the negativity is just clickbait to get views. But if you live here, you know it’s an amazing city. CULTURED is my way of pushing back on that narrative and highlighting what makes Charlotte unique.

I’m now in my third year of running West45 Media, and it hasn’t been easy. In the beginning, I took on a lot of projects at heavily discounted rates. I needed portfolio work—and I needed to keep the lights on. But I stayed consistent, kept grinding, and the opportunities started to grow. I think the real reason I was able to scale is because I always overdelivered. More than anything, I wanted every client to walk away feeling like we weren’t just doing business—we were building something real together.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: You are one handshake away from living your dream. When I started West45, I cold-emailed tons of people. One of the few who replied was Rich Moyer, owner of Hoppin’ Brands. We sat down, talked about life, business, and most importantly—purpose. That meeting led to my first real opportunity. From there, we built a friendship and ended up doing several projects together. All from one handshake. That moment changed everything for me.
At the heart of it all is connection. I want every client to feel like they’ve known me for years, like they’re working with a friend who truly cares about their story. That’s the difference. I’m not just showing up to shoot a video—I’m here to help you tell something meaningful and real.
I believe in overdelivering, in building long-term friendships through creative work, and in using film to shine a light on what makes people, brands, and cities like Charlotte so special.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Charlotte for the week, I’d make it my mission to convince him to move here. First stop? A sporting event—either a Panthers game or Charlotte FC. But before we hit the stadium, we’d grab some food and a few brews at a brewery or bar, probably QC Pourhouse. After the game, we’d head to the French Quarter and then bounce around the city.

At some point, I’d take him to a rooftop bar or restaurant to soak in the skyline—there’s no better way to show off the city’s beauty. Every day would be a new adventure in a different borough: Plaza Midwood, South End, NoDa… each one has its own vibe and flavor. That’s the thing about Charlotte—there’s something for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, it’s hard to name just one person who stands out—because I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an entire circle of people who genuinely support me and challenge me. What makes my circle special isn’t just the encouragement; it’s the honesty. These aren’t just ‘yes’ people. They know me well enough to call me out when something doesn’t make sense, and I value that more than anything. So when their feedback is overwhelmingly positive, I trust I’m on the right path. You need people around you who will be brutally honest—not to tear you down, but to help you grow.

Of course, none of this would be possible without my wife and kids. My wife, Taylor, knows that if I weren’t running my production company, I wouldn’t be fulfilled. She holds everything down at home and raises our kids while I chase this dream.

We have two amazing kids—our daughter is six, and our son is two. When my daughter was born, I was stuck in corporate America, commuting nearly an hour each way to sit in a cubicle and barely seeing her for more than 30 minutes a day. That didn’t sit right with me. My family is the reason I made the leap, and now I get to be present in their lives while doing what I love.

Website: https://www.west45.media

Instagram: west45media