Francis Abbey was born in Washington D.C. He began pursuing his interest in film while he was a Spanish and Criminology major at the University of Maryland. Without a film program available, he became involved with the campus television station and spent his free time watching laserdiscs in the school library. In 2005, Francis earned his M.A. in film and television from the Savannah College of Art and Design. While completing his graduate studies, Francis wrote, directed, produced, and acted in a number of short films including Dogstar, a National Film Challenge entry. Focusing on writing, Francis completed several short scripts, teleplays, and feature length scripts, including Truth or Consequences, which was a Project Greenlight quarter-finalist. Also during his time in grad school, Francis co-founded and served as the first General Manager of Beecon, a website designed to showcase student films. In 2006, Francis original script, Pennsyltucky, placed fourth overall in the Slamdance Screenplay Competition. As an actor, Francis played G. Stimpson Erdogan in the web-based sitcom, Buddy Jackson, from 2006 to 2007. He also played Grouse Kumbio in The Kumbio Takedown, a 2007 48 Hour Film Project entry, which won Best of D.C. and Best Acting. In 2008, Francis played Guillermo in the upcoming independent feature Border Town, starring Mark Joy. He also completed Married in Mackadoo for the National Film Challenge and Boxing Day, his first feature film.