About

I am the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Film Production. In 2010 and 2011 I was nominated for Derby University's 'Lecturer of the Year' award. I have also been nominated for the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence. I have taught Film, Media and Cultural Studies in Higher Education since 1997, and specialise in critical approaches to the Horror genre. I am particularly interested in 1950s American Invasion Narratives.

Teaching responsibilities

• Image, Industry and Analysis
• The Wider Screen
• Research Methods for Filmmakers
• Dissertation in Film Production
• Contemporary Industry Practice
• Advanced Professional Practice in Media and Performing Arts

Professional interests

As well as my academic interests I am also an accomplished writer and producer in my own right. Following a run of critically acclaimed short films, I turned my hand to feature film production in the form of the supernatural thriller Cold Mile House. Through my work for the Malta Film Commission, I have been involved in the successful financing of over thirty short films, features and documentaries. I have also worked as a mentor for several major cinematic productions and advised the Maltese government in relation to their Film Equity Investment Scheme. Recent press coverage of my work includes: the BBC, AOL News, Channel 4, Balance magazine, the Derby Telegraph, and Focus magazine. I am regularly featured on British television and radio in relation to both my own work and my knowledge of film as a medium.

​Having spent a lifetime working in film education, production and financing, I set up Big Brain Films in 2017 with three key aims:

• To support both established and emerging writers, directors and producers in securing development and production funding
• To provide a world class script consultancy service
• To offer a production Mentoring service that ensures projects are delivered to schedule, within budget, and of an award winning standard

Big Brain Films is the trading name of Aria Film Consultancy Limited.

Research interests

• National/Transnational Cinema
• The Horror Genre
• Early American Melodrama
• Film Noir
• New Zealand Cinema
• Race and Representation

Membership of professional bodies

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

International experience

I regularly lecture at the University of Malta and Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj, Romania.

Additional interests and activities

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, video games, and playing Bluegrass banjo.