Max Carlish

Biography

Max Carlish is a BAFTA and International Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, known for his innovative and often provocative work in British television. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in English Language and Literature, he co-devised and produced The House—a groundbreaking BBC2 series offering an unfiltered look behind the scenes at the Royal Opera House. The series earned critical acclaim and helped pioneer the "docusoap" genre. Carlish went on to hold a senior management role at Carlton UK Productions, working alongside key industry figures, including future Prime Minister David Cameron. He later collaborated with BAFTA to create a masterclass series featuring interviews with top British TV executives. As Managing Director of his own production company, Triple M TV, Carlish produced a range of acclaimed projects, including exclusive documentaries on Prince, Pete Doherty, and Ronnie Biggs, and the cult sci-fi series SF:UK for Channel 4 and the Sci Fi Channel. His credits span commissions from all UK terrestrial broadcasters and several international outlets. More recently, through his company Max Films, he has written, directed, shot, and edited bespoke video content for British Athletics, The Probation Service, Swan Publishing, and others—often blending documentary techniques with creative storytelling. He continues to develop projects with major broadcasters and production companies. Carlish is also a published writer, having contributed articles to The Guardian, Esquire, The Daily Mirror, The Idler, and more. He has appeared on BBC Breakfast, Radio 4, and other national media outlets. Based in Moseley, Birmingham, Max enjoys tennis, literature, cinema, and comedy, and has even performed stand-up for charity and local theatre.