In the almost six decades that Bown worked for The Observer, she became renowned for insightful, highly individualistic portraits of the famous. Some of these portraits are now regarded as classics of the genre - Samuel Beckett, Queen Elizabeth II, The Beatles, Bertrand Russell, Mick Jagger and Margaret Thatcher. For the first time, she spoke candidly about her career and revealed how her very personal approach to the taking of portraits is informed by a deep sense of loss and abandonment. This private portrait is enhanced by a series of insightful interviews with Jane’s peers, family, colleagues, friends, and of course some of her subjects.
Senior Executive Consultant
In London's bustling, yet desolate Trafalgar Square, an ancient corpse meets a pigeon with a broken wing.
Executive Producer
A cinematic snapshot observing the morning routine of a family in 1940s Britain. Mum makes breakfast. Dad reads the paper. Samantha tries to get ready for work but her sister, Rachael, is hogging the bathroom. Soon we see that Rachael is very young, but not as innocent as her parents might hope.
Director
A cinematic snapshot observing the morning routine of a family in 1940s Britain. Mum makes breakfast. Dad reads the paper. Samantha tries to get ready for work but her sister, Rachael, is hogging the bathroom. Soon we see that Rachael is very young, but not as innocent as her parents might hope.
A show commemorating the 30th anniversary of the former Beatle's death. His contemporaries and current commentators reflect on the role of John Lennon, the artist and radical thinker.
Himself - Presenter
British fashion photographer Rankin explores South Africa's rich photographic tradition, discovering how its leading photographers have captured this complex, often turbulent, nation through remarkable images and charting the unique role photography has played in documenting the story and people of this fascinating country.
Director
Mr Karva runs a shady little empire in North London. We don't know exactly how he makes his money but we know it's probably not very nice. Mr Karva's stepson, Othello, has ambitions to take the old man's place; and Othello's fainthearted friend, Emilio, has ambitions of his own. This delicate balance of power is upset when Roadrunner finds a strange, sickly-looking 10 year old boy in the park. All his life, Roadrunner has been on the move - but when he looks into the child's eyes, he finds he can finally stop running. It becomes clear that the child can grant each character their own taste of heaven - the 'perfect, rosy future of your dreams'. The child never talks but transforms the world around him, working on the desire in each character's heart, whatever it may be.
Director
A thriller/love story set in a perfect world. The film opens a brief window into the relationship between two lovers. Tension builds and their dark secret is exposed but, however twisted or shocking, 'Perfect' uncovers the very human drama of what it is to love and be loved.
Presenter
Documentary in which British fashion photographer Rankin reveals the rich history of Hollywood photography and how its most influential and enduring images were created.
