Colleagues, peers and rivals praise his generosity and leadership
Figures from across the industry have paid tribute to David Frank, praising his generosity, outstanding leadership and pioneering career.
The RDF Media founder, who died suddenly at the weekend aged 63, was among the indie sector’s most influential executives and his passing has shocked and saddened many people.
Here are just some of the personal tributes paid.
Stephen Lambert, former colleague at RDF, now chief executive Studio Lambert
David was such a lively and joyful spirit, it’s impossible to believe he’s gone. He embodied the idea of a bon viveur; someone who lived life for all the pleasures it could bring. He played the competitive game competitively, but always with a good and generous attitude, which meant so many people loved him.
I remember when he persuaded me to leave the BBC and join RDF, he ended his offer letter with the words ‘and it will be a lot of fun’. And indeed it was. For nearly ten years we had a ball working closely together taking RDF from a little company in an old church in Fulham into an AIM-listed business with yachts in Cannes (David always said it was an economy measure to save on hotels and restaurant bills).
David understood a successful creative company required people to combine seriousness of purpose with playfulness and wit. He was charming, interested in everyone and his understanding of business drove RDF to great success. And it also helped transform the whole independent sector as he played a crucial role in changing the rules of the game. In an industry of great egos, he was always funny and self-deprecating: wear your successes as lightly as your failures, he would say. I learnt so much about television, business and life from him. I’m so sorry he’s left us at such a young age.
Sidra Khan, former colleague at RDF, now acting head of development, Firecrest Films
He was simply the most wonderful, funny, generous and kind boss I ever had. I didn’t realise at the time how amazing a leader he was – he made it look effortless. In a world of massive TV egos who take themselves so seriously he was just so lovely and down to earth. [Working at RDF] was a seminal part of my life – he is a huge loss and I miss him already.
Jim Allen, outgoing managing director, RDF
David was a warm, generous, inspiring leader. His courage in risking all and setting up his own business resulted in thousands of people over 28 years enjoying wonderful career opportunities and making their home at a highly successful and supportive company. We are indebted to David, and he will be greatly missed.
Nick Curwin, co-founder, Matisse
David was a giant of the TV industry, not just for building a powerhouse supplier and backing some of the sector’s leading lights, but also for his enormous influence in other ways, perhaps most significantly the once-in-a-generation impact of his role in changing the terms of trade in 2003/4. He was a true entrepreneur, a grand character who I was fortunate to know personally as well as professionally, and I will miss him greatly.
Lucinda Hicks, chief executive, Banijay UK
Our thoughts are with David’s friends and family at this incredibly sad time. His reputation as one of the true greats in the indie business goes before him. He and Stephen Lambert built RDF from scratch to become a powerhouse of brilliant, inspiring formats such as Wife Swap, Secret Millionaire and Faking It, and its name continues to inspire almost 30 years on. Our industry owes him greatly.
Laura Franses, former colleague at RDF, now acting managing director, House Productions
The UK TV industry feels that much smaller with the passing of David Frank. He was a legend and built one of the industry’s defining production companies. His commercial acumen was unprecedented and he accumulated an impressive property portfolio as a result (including spontaneously buying a Majorcan villa upon seeing pictures of it in BA Highlife magazine.) But what made him truly wealthy was how much he gave back. Everywhere I go I meet people that David employed, from runners to creatives to lawyers.
We all need someone to take a chance on us and back in 2005, I walked into his office keen to work in TV. He hired me to buy television companies. When I politely tried to decline, explaining I had absolutely no experience, he replied “I know you’ll be just great.” His unerring faith in people was a self-fulfilling prophecy. He believed in people and brought them together. From the fabulous summer parties in RDFs heyday to the profoundly testing times of Queensgate, David led fearlessly and with great love.
Over the years David became a mentor and a friend and we’d meet every few months. We’d always have a few pre-Christmas drinks at Somerset House. We won’t be meeting this year, but I’ll be raising a glass in his memory. Thank you, David, for everything. I miss you terribly already.
5 Readers' comments