Franc Roddam

British filmmaker Franc Roddam started out as an advertising copywriter. Educated at the London Film School, he launched a successful career making documentaries such as The Family for the BBC network. He also created the popular, long-running Auf Wiedersehn, Pet television series. In 1979, he made his feature-film debut with his adaptation of the rock opera Quadrophenia. From there he went to Hollywood and after reviewing close to 300 scripts, decided to make The Lords of Discipline (1993), a film based on a story by Pat Conroy looking at racism in a South Carolina military academy. The film received lukewarm reviews as did his next film, The Bride (1985), a reworking of The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). In addition to making feature films, Roddam continues his television work. - Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide