Council scheme puts local residents on the set of award-winning drama

15/09/26

A council-funded scheme led to “an opportunity not to missed” for some Suffolk residents – connecting them with opportunities to work behind-the-scenes for a range of film and tv productions, including award-winning hit Slow Horses.

Back in 2024, an initial cohort of 23 people took part in ‘Set Ready’ – a free course funded locally by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and delivered in partnership with Screen Suffolk.

Set Ready helps people aged 18 and over take their first steps into the film and tv industry through practical training, masterclasses and sessions with industry professionals. Participants learn about crew roles, set etiquette, industry terminology, radio communication, working with the public and health and safety on location. They are then given the opportunity to support crews filming locally.

Among those who seized the opportunity was Tracey Powiesnik, who was keen to get involved in filming taking place on her doorstep in early 2025, for the sixth series of award-winning spy drama Slow Horses.

“When a leaflet came through my door announcing that a TV series was going to be filmed in my village and that the production’s locations team was looking for local residents to work as marshals, I knew it was an opportunity not to be missed,” she said.

“With a son building a career in the film industry in LA, it felt like the perfect opportunity to gain some first-hand insight into his world.”

After completing the course, Tracey’s first work on set was for a night shoot. Working as a location marshal, she liaised with residents and the public, helped keep filming areas clear during takes and supported the locations team with the practical demands of a busy set.

“I was invited back to work on set multiple times and loved every minute,” she said. “It’s fast-paced, varied and genuinely fascinating.”

For lead trainer Jim Horsfield from Set Ready Training, seeing learning put into practice was a highlight.

“We were so impressed with the 23 trainees who took the course,” he said. “It’s so rewarding to see them come in on day one with little or no knowledge of the industry and, by the end of the course, they are prepared and ready to start work on a set. We're proud that our graduates have got to work on a range of different productions since taking part.”

Tracey’s fellow trainee Chris also gained valuable on-set experience and praised the locations crew for their professionalism, friendliness and respect for the surrounding community.

“I think it’s a great programme to support local jobs and enhance Suffolk’s presence in the film industry,” he said. “It gives an opportunity for people outside of London and Hollywood to get their foot in the door in the entertainment industry and get a taste of what it’s like to work on set — and to get paid while doing so!”

Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for Sustainable Economy, Cllr Derek Davis, said: “This is fantastic example of our councils identifying and funding skills training to help local people explore career options that may never have thought possible, while also strengthening Suffolk’s burgeoning reputation as an ideal location for tv and film productions – and the economic benefits this brings to our district.”

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing said: “Growing numbers of productions are starting to showcase the distinctive landscapes, heritage and culture that our districts offer to national and international audiences. It’s great that we have been able to help develop local talent to help meet this need, and launch new careers behind-the-scenes of some of the nation’s best loved shows.”

Tracey has now also been invited back for series seven of Slow Horses.

“I really missed the crew and being part of something so exciting when filming wrapped, so I was delighted I was invited back on set,” she said. “I was probably the oldest person on my course, but if I were starting my career over again, I’d choose the film industry without a second thought. My advice to anyone who has the chance to work on set: jump at it. It’s hard work, but so much fun!”