Quiet on Set

Directed by Mark Forbes

2026

The barriers and roadblocks to support in the film industry is the central theme of a new documentary from filmmaker Mark Forbes.

WIth the Midlands region having a very working class history with its mix of industry and manufacturing, the growth in arts and culture, specifically film, has offered a new route for creative career goals.

However, despite expansion - and the shrinking of manufacturing as a whole - the struggles for filmmakers, cast and crew have never been more prevalent.

The documentary provides thoughts from a wide range of industry representatives and interviewees, and also takes a look back at everything from Ken Loach’s Kes to Michael Caine’s cockney roots. Funny that The Italian Job was partly filmed in Coventry amid the infrastructure of its industrial sewer system!

The focus on London and the costs associated highlights how money becomes a necessary driving factor, pushing out talent from areas where income, support or opportunity is low.

The additional fees of training can be expensive and although there is some acknowledgement of perceptions slowly changing and representation improving, the documentary highlights how this is slow and needs movement from the top of the many organisations and institutions involved.

A very pertinent area that hit home for me was the statement that we simply wouldn’t get a variety of stories. Making films both bland and “beige”. No matter people’s experiences, the diversity of creation itself is at stake and class can be a big driver of these limitations.

It also doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions either. Issues around diversity, race and the meritocracy argument are tackled head on, but suggests that “class” may actually be the highest priority.

For me the documentary was slightly too long despite its honourable and important themes. Good arguments are repeated and I’d hate to think the message gets lost amongst what could be seen as people “moaning” by the time it wraps up.

Similarly, a few arguments appear to fight against each other - "changes from the top need to happen" and an ITV rep saying they are improving their quotas - means the documentary does acknowledge the complexity but also doesn't have a strong single voice to make its case. A tighter edit or a small structural change to emphasise the main points may have added focus to stop it jumping around.

Quiet on Set is not necessarily a completely Midlands film - it covers the issues and people from across the UK. But it does take time to undertake an insightful look into the troubles affecting our area where sadly, the region and its economy is often overlooked in comparison to other more affluent locations.

Local directorial legend Shane Meadows, is mentioned and his support from Channel 4 is highlighted as a blessing in some ways, but perhaps something that hasn’t been offered equally to others. It does verge again on the documentary subjects conflicting with each other - something that may not advance the cause as much as directing ire and criticism towards the real "powers-that-be".

The film also interviews Vicky McClure, and alongside fellow Nottingham alumni Samantha Morton, they are highlighted as working class success stories from the area. Both are huge positives to our region and provide inspiration to others who want to follow in their footsteps, but are far too often the exception to the rule. And it's hugely proud to see the efforts being made by organisations like Nottingham's Television Workshop going to great lengths to provide equality of opportunity to as many young creatives as they can.

Commissioners will hopefully take note of Quiet on Set, which despite a few minor quibbles, provides a more than comprehensive and thorough reasoning for shifting the current embedded perspectives. And the rest of us would do well to adhere to the principles this documentary proposes, allowing voices from all backgrounds to get a chance to share their personal stories.

★★★★

4 / 5

Michael Sales

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