Quiet on set The class division in the film industry?

Filmmaker Mark Forbes exams the classism that has plagued the UK film industry for decades and through the lens of individuals from working-class backgrounds as we observe the challenges they encounter when attempting to enter the field.

  • Mark Forbes
    Director
  • Mark Stirton
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Lisa Hardy
    Key Cast
    "Self (BBC Studios)"
  • Kolton Lee
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Maxine Peake
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Christopher Fairbank
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Professor Dave O'Brien
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Paul Laverty
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Vicky McClure
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Andrew Tiernan
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Alison Rashley
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Shona McWilliams
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Sean McAllister
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Marcus Ryder
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Jonny Owen
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Kaitlyn Boxall
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Rachel Clark
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Damian Paul Daniel
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Kevin Blacoe
    Key Cast
    "Self (Channel 4)"
  • Philippa Childs
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Sonny Hanley
    Key Cast
    "Self "
  • Jason Ruddy
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Mariayah Kaderbhai
    Key Cast
    "Self (BAFTA)"
  • Mark Forbes
    Cinematographer
  • Mark Forbes
    Editor
  • Mark Forbes
    Producer
  • Moira Adams
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 23 minutes 3 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    ProRes HQ
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16x9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
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.

Mark exclusively has been filming using Panasonic Lumix GH cameras since 2018.

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.

From mid July 2023, Mark is currently editing his new 3rd documentary feature.

Add Director Biography
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.