Want To See More Of Me?

"Want to see more of me?" is a striking new series of portraits of talented and successful black British film actors by photographer Donald MacLellan, funded by the UK Film Council. A dynamic group of images, opulent and rich in colour, "Want to see more of me?" celebrates both individual and collective achievement and contributes to debates around diversity, on-screen representation, content and portrayal. Sitters include Colin Salmon, Adrian Lester, Ashley Walters, Mona Hammond, Sophie Okonedo and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

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(Sophie Okonedo)

MacLellan is an established portrait photographer, whose images have appeared regularly in national and international magazines over the past fifteen years. His portfolio includes leading figures across the arts and entertainment industries such as John Hurt, Tilda Swinton, Benjamin Zephaniah and Ewan McGregor. He has had many commissions for book jackets and record covers along with numerous advertising and design commissions.

"Want to see more of me?" is the third project by Donald MacLellan to be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, having previously shown Black Power in 1998 and Tartan Army in 2000. In addition, a number of his works are held in the Gallery's Photographic Collection. On this new series of portraits MacLellan comments: "I did a number of test shots which helped me determine the look of the series and I knew I wanted a good cross section of well established actors, new comers and those who are in the later stages of their career."

(Kwame Kwei-Armah)

The UK Film Council is the Government-backed lead agency for film in the UK. The Council aims to stimulate a successful, vibrant film industry and to promote the widest possible enjoyment and understanding of British and World cinema throughout the UK. Through the Leadership on Diversity Forum, the Council has formed a strategic partnership of 21 lead industry bodies, who in turn have adopted its Equalities Charter for Film. "Want to see more of me?" is funded by the UK Film Council as part of its drive to ensure people from all backgrounds can thrive and achieve their potential in the film industry.

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council said: "The UK Film Council is delighted to be partnering with the National Portrait Gallery on the 'Want to see more of me?' project. We want to stimulate debate about on-screen diversity and we think that celebrating some of the UK's most successful black actors is a brilliant reminder of what is possible."


For more information, visit the National Portrait Gallery's official website: www.npg.org.uk