Uwe Janson

German Uwe Janson's path to show business was a winding one, littered with obstacles. Given the choice between Germany's required military service and doing volunteer work, he opted for the latter and worked as a caretaker for the elderly in the 1980s. He later developed an interest in photography and eventually exhibited his work all across Europe. In 1987, he pursued his interest in filmmaking by applying to the Academy of Television and Film in Munich--but was not accepted. Not one to be easily dissuaded, however, he created his own short film, which drew enough notice that he found work as an assistant editor on the German crime series "Mein Name ist Derrick." Just two years later, the ambitious Janson wrote and directed his own feature-length drama, "Verfolgte Wege," which went on to win a number of honors, including Best Young Director at the Bavarian Film Awards. This led to a job offers from the British Broadcasting Corporation, and he was soon helming the TV drama "Business with Friends" in 1992. Since then, Janson has proved prolific in television, serving as director on more than 30 television movies, including the scandal-ridden drama "Baal," which was adapted from Bertolt Brecht's renowned play. Though Janson's career has been peppered with accolades, the most-impressive may well be the Best Drama Serial nomination he received from the BAFTA Awards honoring his directorial efforts on the sweeping historical mini-series "The Sinking of the Laconia."