Sir Michael Palin
The Sunday Times Magazine

 

Sir Michael Palin – The Sunday Times Magazine

Michael Palin is a national treasure. And a bit of a hero of mine, I grew up laughing at Monty Python. To say I was excited to meet Sir Michael was an understatement. But I was also nervous, would he be as creative and collaborative as I hoped?

Well, meet you heroes people, at least certainly if they are Michael Palin. He was everything a collaborator could want, and also the kindest, nicest man as well.

Big thanks Louise Fenerci for the assingnment

Cover design by Dan Biddulph

Grooming by Emma Leon

Styling by Michael Palin

Read Richard Coles interview with Sir Michael here: LINK

Children In Need - The BBC - Children In Need – BBC Creative - Charlie Clift

Children In Need – BBC Creative

I’m super proud to have photographed Children In Need’s latest out of home campaign – ‘Heaviest Backpack’. It’s a real honour to support such a brilliant and well loved charity. It’s also such an important campaign – reminding people that so many of life’s burden’s cannot be seen. We captured everything in camera thanks to some stunning custom badges created by the design team. I was eager to bring as much personality to the photographs as possible despite not being able to see any of the children’s faces – so to add individuality to the backpacks we styled them around a different set of interests for each child, customising them just like children do at school, doodles and all. If you spot a billboard out and about do send me a snap. Agency: BBC Creative Client: BBC Children in Need Creative team: Aron Sidhu and Steven Lownes Designers: Veronica Law,...

Professor T - Eagle Eye Drama - Professor T – Season 3 Key Art - Charlie Clift

Professor T – Season 3 Key Art

Professor T Season 3 starring Ben Miller is out now on ITV, and it was a joy creating the key art visuals for the show. Leaning into the story line of the Professor going to jail at the start of the season we created a “jail cell” in a room in Cambridge, bringing moody lighting and monotone styling to emphasise the darkness of the situation. It was a joy collaborating with Ben to capture just the right emotions in the images. Huge thanks to all the team at Eagle Eye Drama for their help and support making this. It’s always a joy working with this brilliant team.  

 - AP40 Winners – BAFTA and National Theatre - Charlie Clift

AP40 Winners – BAFTA and National Theatre

Very lovely to hear I to have two projects chosen as AP40 winners! BAFTA Film Awards 2023 Portraits set – huge thanks Claire Rees, Jordan Anderson and everyone at BAFTA for making this project happen. AND Dame Harriet Walter for The House of Bernarda Alba poster image photographed for the National Theatre image – massive thanks Billy Bull and Jen Dennis and the whole team at the National Theatre.

Robert Downey Jr. - BAFTA - BAFTA Film Awards 2024 - Charlie Clift

BAFTA Film Awards 2024

It was an honour to return to the Royal Festival Hall to create portraits at Britain’s biggest night in cinema – the BAFTA Film Awards. It was the night that Christopher Nolan won his first golden masks, Da’Vine Joy Randolph moved us to tears and Michael J. Fox gave a very special appearance. In my portrait studio Robert Downey Jr. danced whilst Cillian Murphy took it all in, Paul Mescal giggled with Andrew Scott, Hannah Waddingham did the twist, and it was a joy to have Cate Blanchett back in front of my camera again. On the 5th floor, away from the dazzling lights of the ceremony, I built an intimate space allowing my sitters a moment of release after the emotions felt on stage. Taking inspiration from Richard Avedon’s early work, I flooded my set in light reminiscent of an artist’s workshop – soft and gentle. Mixed with the...

David Tennant - BAFTA 2024 Film Awards  - David Tennant – EE BAFTA Film Awards - Charlie Clift

David Tennant – EE BAFTA Film Awards

David Tennant will be hosting the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024. Spot him on a billboard near you soon – if you see one do send me a snap. I photographed David at BAFTA’s home on Piccadilly to promote one of films biggest nights, and I can’t wait to join him there in a couple of weeks camera in hand! Big thanks to the fab team who made it happen. BAFTA photography team: Claire Rees, Jordan Anderson and Ellie Elliot. BAFTA Marketing Lead: Natalie Paszkowski Styling: Cheryl Konteh Photography Assistants: Phil Hardman & Rosie Alice Wilson Grooming: Stevie Smith Retouching: Melissa Morgan Graphic Design: Abigail Bills

One Young World Belfast - Vanity Fair - One Young World – Vanity Fair - Charlie Clift

One Young World – Vanity Fair

Two days, seventeen incredible people, so many fascinating conversations. One minute discussing biodiversity, the next AI and healthcare, from the leaders of the worlds biggest charities to fearless campaigners for women’s right. It was such an honour meeting these amazing people who are changing our world for the better with their enthusiasm and expertise. Featuring: Adwoa Aboah, Vilas Dhar, Angela F. Williams, Kat Graham, Rupi Kaur, Sagufta Salma Janif, Nicholas Kee, Aidan Gallagher, Diwigdi Valiente, Lucy Hale, Ivana Feldfeber, Sara Wahedi, Rana Hajirasouli, Hasina Safi, Abdoul Ouahabo, Kevin Dipama, Manoly Sisavanh, and Ralph Nicolai V. Nasara Massive thanks to the amazing team who made this happen. Art Director: Duarte Soares Producers: Eolande Diaz, Nura Abdela Project manager: Olivia Hicks 1st Assistant: Oliver Mayhall 2nd Assistant: Jack McGuire Hair & Make-up Artist: Maria Comparetto Retouching: Lou Dedieu Production support: Germaine Walker Special Thanks: Merchant Belfast & 1G1 Studio Belfast

Simon Pegg - Quentin Blake's Box of Treasures / The BBC - Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures – The BBC - Charlie Clift

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures – The BBC

We brought photography and an iconic illustrator together to celebrate Quentin Blake Box Of Treasures. A series of six of Sir Quentin’s classic books are being brought to life on screen in a full animated series for BBC iPlayer and CBBC. Voiced a wonderful line up of talent; Simon Pegg, Nina Sosanya, Adrian Lester and Alison Steadman. What a dream brief! Working with such creative people to bring these ideas to life, it was so much fun watching the beautiful illustration adding a whole other element to my portraits. Senior Creative – Samantha Ratcliffe Animation CD – Massimo Fenati Production – Georgina Williams at The BBC Support – everyone at Eagle Eye Drama Photo assistant – Phil Hardman Production support – Germaine Walker    

The Couple Next Door - Eagle Eye Drama / Channel 4 - The Couple Next Door – Channel 4 / Eagle Eye Drama - Charlie Clift

The Couple Next Door – Channel 4 / Eagle Eye Drama

Things got steamy on set during the photography for Channel 4’s deliciously dark new drama. Catch Eleanor Tomlinson and Alfred Enouch alongside Sam Heughan and Jessica De Gouw, as two couples who become ever more entangled. Such a great cast to work with to create just the right moments to promote this new series. And if you’re in the US, look out for the show on Starz next year… Big thanks to the amazing team at Eagle Eye Drama, Becky Allin and Carl Palmer at Channel 4, Nile Bates at Starz, lighting tech Pim Van Baalen, and production support from Germaine Walker.  

Ulster American - Riverside Studios - Ulster American – Riverside Studios - Charlie Clift

Ulster American – Riverside Studios

Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland all in one play… count me in. I directed the trailer and photographed the campaign for this limited run pitch-black comedy. Grab your tickets here: LINK

Eric Cantona - The Sunday Times Culture - Eric Cantona – The Sunday Times Culture - Charlie Clift

Eric Cantona – The Sunday Times Culture

Eric Cantona, former legendary footballer, now singer – a marvellous performer in front of my lens. Great fun making this with him. Big thanks to Adam Hearn for sending me to meet him.