In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Mark Forbes, Director of Quiet on Set: The Class Division in the Film Industry.
In this documentary, filmmaker Mark Forbes examines the classism that has plagued the UK film industry for decades. Through the lens of individuals from working-class backgrounds, he observes the challenges they encountered when attempting to enter the field.
The film features actors Maxine Peake and Vicky McClure, writer Paul Laverty and filmmakers Sean McAllister and Kolton Lee.
Filmed between July 2023 and July 2024, Quiet on Set: The Class Division in the Film Industry is presently in production.
Director Biography – Mark Forbes
Mark is an award-winning self-shooting London based Scottish Filmmaker and has been making films for 25 years.
In 2022/2023 Mark’s films have won 18 awards and has been selected in 86 Film festivals around the world.
His first film Hobgoblin was written by his stepdad Norman Adams, (Who did not work in the film industry) ‘Hobgoblin’ was shown at the Raindance Film Festival 2000. They collaborated on Mark’s first series of short films.
Mark also made the documentary Nights of Burlesque which was shown at the Portobello Film Festival London in 2013.
In February 2021 his award winning documentary, Memories of Mortlake has appeared in over 38 film festivals and has won 10 awards for Best Short Documentary. As with all his documentary films, they are made completely by Mark himself, without a crew or budget.
In 2021, while living in Switzerland Mark filmed his Short Documentary Erwin W. Wyrsch: The Photo Journalist which appeared in 15 film festivals and was nominated for a Unofex Swiss Film Award and has won 2 awards for best short documentary.
Continuing in 2021 Mark filmed a 3 part web series Tobias & The Angel in December. Again made without a crew or any finance.
In late 2022 Mark completed his debut feature film Mother & Wild that has been selected for by 18 film festivals and has won 10 awards for Best Indie Feature, including Best Film Made in Hastings at the Hastings Rocks International Film Festival.
In May 2023 his second feature documentary Tristan v Christann won an award for Outstanding Achievement at the Swedish International Film Festival.
Director Statement
“The motivation behind creating this film stems from my desire to shed light on the pervasive issue of class that often propels privileged individuals into the film and TV industries. As a self-taught filmmaker coming from a working-class background, I personally experienced the struggles faced by filmmakers, actors and crew members. Many others like me in breaking into the industry and establishing a fulfilling career.
Throughout the film, I engage in conversations with accomplished actors and directors from diverse backgrounds, exploring the question of whether it is justifiable for certain individuals to enjoy an unfair advantage due to their privileged upbringing. Having never had the opportunity to attend university or film school, I recognize the unmistakable advantage that privately educated actors and directors, as they effortlessly navigate their way into coveted roles and jobs by leveraging their connections.
By documenting these stories and engaging in thought-provoking discussions, I aim to bring attention to the systemic biases that hinder the progress of talented individuals from working-class backgrounds. Through this film, I hope to spark a broader dialogue on the need for a more inclusive and merit-based industry, where success is not determined by one’s social status or connections but by genuine talent and dedication.”
