Rob Franz
Rob is a highly experienced and versatile documentary editor with an extensive portfolio spanning true crime, history, archaeology, science, engineering, arts and observational documentary. With a strong instinct for storytelling and an adaptable creative approach, he is equally comfortable navigating complex investigations, bringing historical discoveries to life and finding the human stories at the heart of a film.
His credits include 999: What Happened Next for Channel 4, How Did They Build That? for Smithsonian, Unearthed and Lost Treasures of Ancient Rome for National Geographic, and the BBC’s Digging for Britain. His work in true crime and investigative documentary also includes Dark Land, Killer Performance, Making a Monster and Murder by the Sea, demonstrating his ability to handle sensitive subject matter and build compelling narratives.
Rob’s breadth extends to arts, culture and social history, with credits including David Harewood on Blackface, Art on the BBC and Handmade in the Pacific. His observational work on Born Mucky and Prison Brides further demonstrates his ability to work with character-led stories, while his extensive factual entertainment experience brings an additional dimension to his editorial versatility.
Originally from Germany and based in Cardiff, Rob studied documentary film production at Cardiff University and developed his career across a variety of production roles before specialising in editing. Creative, dependable and collaborative, he combines a deep understanding of documentary filmmaking with the flexibility to adapt his approach to the demands of each production.
Work by Rob
999: What Happened Next
How Did They Build That?
Lost Treasures of Rome
David Harewood on Blackface
Digging for Britain
Lost Treasures of Egypt
999: What Happened Next
A gripping true crime documentary that goes beyond the initial emergency call to follow the detectives tasked with uncovering the truth behind shocking 999 related cases across the UK. Using real police footage, CCTV, forensic breakthroughs and interviews with officers and families, the series shows how complex investigations unfold as investigators piece together what really happened after the sirens fade.
How Did They Build That?
How Did They Build That? explores extraordinary feats of architecture and engineering, revealing the ingenuity and innovation behind some of the world’s most remarkable buildings. In one of Rob’s episodes, Toronto’s OCAD University tackles its space shortage with an extraordinary solution: a two-storey structure floating 50 feet above its original campus.
Lost Treasures of Rome
Beneath the ruins of the Roman Empire lie extraordinary secrets waiting to be discovered. From the streets of Pompeii to ancient shipwrecks and forgotten cities, archaeologists uncover remarkable treasures and new evidence of how the Romans lived, fought and built one of history’s most powerful civilisations.
David Harewood on Blackface
Actor David Harewood confronts one of entertainment’s most disturbing legacies, exploring the history of blackface minstrelsy and its lasting impact on popular culture. Through powerful archive footage, expert insights and personal reflection, he examines how racist caricatures became mainstream entertainment and why their influence still matters today.
Digging for Britain
Professor Alice Roberts takes us on a fascinating journey through Britain’s buried past, following archaeologists as they make extraordinary discoveries across the country. From prehistoric settlements to Roman treasures and medieval mysteries, each excavation reveals new clues about the people, places and events that shaped our history.
Lost Treasures of Egypt
The race is on to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt! Archaeologists venture deep into forgotten tombs, excavate magnificent temples and uncover remarkable artefacts buried for thousands of years. Every discovery offers a tantalising new glimpse into the lives, beliefs and extraordinary achievements of the pharaohs.