In Conversation . . . Franc Roddam

Join Teesside University for our second ‘In Conversation’ series, featuring renowned speakers from the world of sport, business and culture who share an exclusive insight into their remarkable careers.

It provides an opportunity for you to hear directly about what inspired them and how they achieved such incredible success in their chosen field.

For this next series, we are delighted to be holding events both at Teesside University and at an exclusive location in London.

Speakers for 2023/24 already include Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, professional boxer and WBO middleweight World Champion, Savannah Marshall, acclaimed film director, writer and producer Franc Roddam, and former Ferrari F1 Race Engineer and now CEO & Founder of Smedley Group, Rob Smedley.

Our audience will have the opportunity to engage directly with our special guest speakers and ask questions during what will surely be a memorable evening out.

Tickets will be on a first come, first served basis.

We look forward to seeing you during our ‘In Conversation’ series.

Meet the speaker

As an acclaimed film director, businessman, screenwriter, television producer and publisher, Franc Roddam is behind some of the most iconic pieces of British popular culture.

Born and raised in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, he began work in the shipyards of the North East of England before changing to a career in the arts, which ultimately led him to the bright lights of Hollywood.

His first feature film, Quadrophenia, which he directed and co-wrote in 1979, was named by the New York Times as one of the 1000 best films ever made.

Other films directed by Franc, include K2, Aria, Lords of Discipline and War Party.

As a highly successful television producer, he created the worldwide TV phenomenon, Masterchef, which is shown in 150 countries, with around 65 locally produced versions.

Franc was the format creator and executive producer --- of the iconic drama series, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary.

He also created and produced the successful television series Making Out and Harry, and directed the award-winning drama Dummy, which won the prestigious Prix Italia Drama Prize. He directed the US mini-series Moby Dick and Cleopatra, which was nominated for both Emmys and Golden Globes.

Franc has won awards for his BBC documentaries, Mini and The Family.

He is also the founder and Chairman of Ziji Publishing, whose many titles include The Last Templar, which sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

He is a sponsor and former Governor of the London Film School and is an active member of the Greenworld Campaign.

In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Franc was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by Teesside University in 2019.

He continues to maintain links with his native Teesside and help others to follow in his footsteps, through the Franc Roddam Scholarship which offers support to talented Teesside University students seeking to embark on careers in the creative industries.