Franc Roddam, born in Norton, England, is a British film director, screenwriter, and television producer. His film career is inextricably linked to his debut film, *Quadrophenia* (1979), an adaptation of the eponymous album by The Who, which became a cult classic. His other feature film directing credits include *The Lords of Discipline* (1983) and *K2* (1991). However, Roddam has achieved his most enduring and international success in television. He is the creator of the popular comedy series *Auf Wiedersehen, Pet* and, most notably, of the globally successful format *MasterChef*, one of the best-selling and most adapted cooking shows worldwide. He also directed the miniseries *Moby Dick* (1998), which received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, and he received a special BAFTA award in 2011 for his contribution to television.