Celebrated filmmaker sets up scholarship to support aspiring creatives

An acclaimed film director, writer and producer is set to offer support to talented Teesside University students seeking to embark on careers in the creative industries.

Franc Roddam, best known for iconic film Quadrophenia is partnering with Teesside University to support students aiming to study film and television production.

A £60k scholarship fund will support ten UK undergraduate scholarships for incoming students on the BA (Hons) Film & Television Production course in the University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries.

The scholarships are part of the University’s wider Teesside Transformation Fund which strives to support and help students from all backgrounds to secure a place in higher education.  

Franc, who was born and raised in Norton, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Teesside University in 2019.

He said: “During my time in Teesside I received a great deal of support, without which I would never have had the opportunities to study at the London Film School, join the BBC or work in Hollywood.

“It is really important to be given encouragement to succeed in this industry and it is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to help and support students from Teesside University who are just starting out on their creative careers.”

Laura Sillars, Dean of the University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries and Director of MIMA, said: “It is wonderful to be working with such a prominent figure in the film and television industry and we look forward to seeing first-hand how Franc’s support and expertise can help to inspire our next generation of creative students.

“Franc is a fabulous role model for any student seeking a career in film and television and we are delighted to be working so closely with him on this new scholarship.”

The Franc Roddam Scholarships will be offered through Teesside University’s Teesside Transformation Fund, which aims to break down barriers and empower more individuals to access education, seize opportunities and to reach their full potential.