The Women of “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” Emma Schwartz
Mary Robertson
Exec producer-director and founder of Maxine Prods.
Co-executive producer and director
Robertson and Schwartz’s explosive ID docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” uncovered disturbing allegations of inappropriate behavior on various Dan Schneider-produced Nickelodeon series in the late s and early s. Drake Bell, one of the stars of “Drake & Josh,” comes forward in the series for the rst time as the child star sexually assaulted by dialogue coach Brian Peck. When the pair, who previously collaborated on “The New York Times Presents” FX docuseries, saw online clips of Schneider’s series that appeared to sexualize young child stars like Ariana Grande, they decided the subject matter was worthy of a docuseries. “We thought it was of real value to dig in because it concerns working environments for children and because the content that was created on these sets was then distributed to children around the world,” Robertson says. While others have tried to tell this story, Schwartz explains that “we had an environment, the space and the support where we could take the time to build relationships with subjects and they could trust us to tell their stories.” As showrunner on “The New York Times Presents,” Robertson oversaw its similarly explosive installment, “Framing Britney Spears,” and has since launched her Maxine Prods. banner, part of Sony Pictures Television.
Inspirational women: “I started my career working at Maysles Films, which was run by some incredible women, including Susan Froemke and Deborah Dickson, who remain idols of mine,” Robertson says.