After studies in Catholic Theology and German Literature at the Universities of Vienna and Graz, Franz Grabner became head of the educational program of a Catholic Student Centre at the University of Graz, which included managing two galleries of Contemporary Art and organizing numerous cultural events. Grabner's great interest in film resulted in creating, organizing and managing a series of filmfestivals from 1989 - 1993. At the universities of Graz and Innsbruck he taught "Religion and Cinema" and "Religion and Media" for more than 12 years.

1994 Franz Grabner started working for ORF/TV Religion, being responsible for religious documentaries and the thematic evening "Kreuz und Quer" ("Criss-cross") that he created. Together with Stuart Veech he developed a new format, "The BOX". As executive producer he produced a number of internationally awarded documentaries. 2003 he changed to the ORF culture department and has been head of documentaries/art and culture since then.

Besides his commitment for the ORF he developed a number of cross media projects.