BLACK BRITISH ACTING TALENT CELEBRATED IN NEW PHOTOGRAPHIC SHOWCASE

26 March 2008, London: UNDEREXPOSED, a new photographic project which celebrates the talents and achievements of Black British African-Caribbean actors, is being launched at multiple sites across London from 11 April, including the National Portrait Gallery and two outdoor sites in Peckham.

Photo Call: 09.30hrs, Friday 11 April- outdoor hoardings on Peckham Hill Street by the junction with Peckham High Street (by Peckham Library)
Press launch: 10.00hrs, Friday 11 April, 5th Floor, Peckham Library.
Fraser James, Director of 4 the Record, photographer Franklyn Rogers and actors featured in the project (names TBC) will give a short briefing outlining their vision of the project.

Photographed by Franklyn Rogers in atmospheric tones, bathed in reflective light, the sitters in this unique project urge an engagement with the viewer. The selection of 30 black British actors includes television legend Rudolph Walker (star of Love Thy Neighbour), Academy Award nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste, acclaimed stage actor David Oyelowo and Idris Elba, star of HBO's new hit drama, The Wire.

The project aims to bring the actors and their work to the attention of a wider public including the Black British community and to celebrate their success. UNDEREXPOSED is part of a wider initiative, 4 The Record, founded by actor Fraser James. Fraser developed 4TR as a personal response to the national media debate which suggests that the absence of black role models for young people in the Black British community is one reason for the rise in violence, gang culture and low achievement amongst young black adults.

Fraser James, himself a Black British actor, knew that amongst his peers there was a wealth of talented black men and women reaching the highest levels of their profession which could be profiled in a way to inspire young people in the Black British community looking for direction and guidance. He created UNDERPEXPOSED as a way of highlighting this talent and raising understanding of film and theatre as means for expression and direction. It is the first in a series of projects which will take place every two years, focusing on Black British talent in different areas. It has been made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England and deciBel.

The 30 portraits will be displayed at sites all over London and each one will be accompanied by a "gem of knowledge" from the actor featured, giving a personal insight into their experiences of the acting profession to provide inspiration and encouragement. The sites so far confirmed are:

	A triple plasma screen installation in the main hall of the National Portrait Gallery from 4 April - 8 June.
	250 poster sites on the London Underground provided by the Greater London Assembley (launch date TBC).
	A two site installation at Peckham High Street & Commercial Way from 11 April.

4 The Record has also established a Learning Programme to accompany UNDEREXPOSED which has been funded by the UK Film Council. This provides skills and knowledge of photography, acting, directing and writing to young people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Eight, two day photographic workshops have already taken place at the National Portrait Gallery as has a five day acting and directing workshop at the Young Vic Theatre. A ten week new writers course is currently underway and concludes in a performance at the Royal Court Theatre during May.

Fraser James, Founder of 4 The Record, said: "UNDEREXPOSED is the culmination of a long held belief of mine that there are many potential black role models, but their visibility needs to be higher. I hope this project goes some way in achieving a greater level of recognition for the wealth of Black British talent we have in the acting profession and to inspiring the next generation of black actors in this country. This is by no means the solution to the issues. We need to be doing more within the black community to put forward positive role models from all areas for our young people to look up to."

Samenua Sesher, Director of decibel, said: "decibel is proud to sponsor UNDEREXPOSED. The project is a great way to celebrate the contribution these talented actors and actresses have made to arts, culture and entertainment. UNDEREXPOSED highlights the vitality of this country's diverse culture and it is good to see these exceptional actors being recognised for their achievements in theatre, television and film."

The actors photographed by Franklyn Rogers for UNDEREXPOSED are:

ADJOA ANDOH; EARL CAMERON; NOEL ANTHONY CLARKE; DONA CROLL; IDRIS ELBA; TREVA ETIENNE; DON GILET; DAVID HAREWOOD; FRASER JAMES; LENNIE JAMES; MARIANNE JEAN-BAPTISTE; JOCELYN JEE ESIEN; WIL JOHNSON; KWAME KWEI-ARMAH; MARTINA LAIRD; DELROY LINDO; ADRIAN LESTER; PETRA LETANG; PATRICE NAIAMBANA; WUNMI MOSAKU; DAVID OYELOWO; DIANE PARISH; HUGH QUARSHIE; MARSHA THOMASON; COLIN SALMON; EAMONN WALKER; ASHLEY WALTERS; DON WARRINGTON and ANGELA WYNTER.


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For further press information including high resolution images please contact:

Kallaway
Anna Cusden
020 7221 7883
anna.cusden@kallaway.co.uk

Katie Jackson
020 7221 7883
katie.jackson@kallaway.co.uk

National Portrait Gallery
Press Office
Catherine Bromley
020 7321 6620
cbromley@npg.org.uk



About 4 The Record
4 The Record Initiative (www.4therecord.org.uk launch date TBA) was set up to address issues of cultural diversity through innovative, creative partnerships and interventions. The philosophy is to engage as many people as possible with the success stories and experiences of those who have played a part in promoting cultural diversity in the United Kingdom.


Franklyn Rogers Biography
Franklyn Rodgers sits at the cutting edge of contemporary photographic portraiture, bringing a flavour and a style that is unique. Not just an observer, he comments through strong narrative and a sensitive empathy with his subjects.

Underpinned by his down to earth approach, and his unique eye for detail, he has created a wide range of portraiture over the last decade, which spans the arts, music, and corporate genres. He has created work for clients such as; Barclays bank, KPMG, The Royal Court Theatre, Polydor and National Geographic.

As a recent recipient of the prestigious NESTA fellowship award, he has been able to further expand his pursuit for the passion of the human spirit. Exploring cross-cultural identities in relation to technology and the space in which they co-exist.


Fraser James Biography
Actor & 4TR Artistic Director UNDEREXPOSED
Fraser is a Londoner, born in Camden Town with African/Caribbean heritage. Often recognized for his voice, he's been acting for years and has had memorable roles in Prime Suspect 2, Judge John Deed and Babyfather. Fraser trained at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since leaving drama school, when not working in Theatre, Television or Film, he has mentored many young black actors: Advising on all issues related to acting, working through and suggesting audition speeches for drama school applications, and on occasion successfully assisting his protégé in gaining a place, visited several regions including Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham to workshop scenes from Television and Theatre and along side his role as ambassador for creative partnerships, regularly visited schools to talk about his experiences, answer questions and offer advice.

His work includes: Theatre - 'Leontes' in The Winter's Tale at The Southwark Playhouse; Our Country's Good on world tour for Out of Joint; Chimps at Hampstead theatre; A Jamaican Airman Foresees His Death and King Lear at the Royal Court; Snow Queen at The Young Vic, and The President of an Empty Room at the Royal National Theatre. Television - Black and Blue; Prime Suspect 2; Drop The Dead Donkey; Holby City; Casualty; In Exile; Rules Of Engagement; Faith; The Healer; Second Sight; Life After Birth; The Affair; The Guardians; The Armando Ianucci Show; Baby Father; Judge John Deed; Love Lies Bleeding and Frankenstein. Film - Shopping; Bhaji on the Beach; Wing Commander; The Purifiers; Sometimes In April and Les Oiseaux Du Ciel.

Since 2005 Fraser has put his acting career on standby and has been the driving force behind 4 The Record Initiative. Founding director, Fraser, developed 4TR, as a personal response to the national media debate which suggests that the absence of black role models for young people in the Black British community was one reason for the rise in violence, gang culture and low achievement amongst young black adults. Fraser's passion and belief in the 4TR is contagious. In the last two years he has convinced: Bartle, Bogle & Hegarty, BBC, Channel 4, Herbert Smith, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Royal Court Theatre, UK Film Council and The Young Vic to become 4TR supporters. With the launch of 4TR imminent Fraser is looking forward to performing on stage once again in King Lear and Frontline this summer at Shakespeare's Globe.


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