Karl Francis

Karl Francis began making films in 1971, turning out mainly documentaries for television. He worked initially as a researcher and writer. He studied film at the late age of 26, having previously had an honours degree in Modern History, Politics & Economics. He wrote his own scripts and began directing following a deep disappointment at the way his film 'A Breed of Men', starring Stanley Baker, was directed. He went on to produce successful documentaries for television, including 'Weekend World' (presented by Peter Jay) and 'Second House' presented by Melvin Bragg. His series for the BBC - 'Man in his Place' - received brilliant reviews, which gave him showreels to sell his feature work. In 1973, he was blacklisted by the BBC for five years, so he made his own film after putting his house up for sale. It was called 'Above Us The Earth', and was described by critic John Berger as 'A film which is relentlessly and remarkably truthful... I know of no other film which has been made in which