I am Professor of Screen Studies specialising in the intersections of screen cultures, popular music, film and celebrity. My research explores the ways in which popular culture shapes and reflects society, with a particular focus on music documentary, celebrity culture, and the evolving relationship between sound and visual media. I have published widely on these subjects and my work often addresses the mediation of celebrity, the politics of representation in music documentary, and the impact of digital technologies on cultural production and consumption.
I have worked extensively with cultural institutions and media organisations to bridge the gap between scholarship and industry. I have collaborated with organisations including the BBC, ITV and New York Times, and with cultural institutions including HOME, Manchester International Festival, Factory International, and Manchester Jazz Festival, where I served as Chair for six years. My research has been featured in media outlets, including BBC News, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio 2, The Guardian and Creative Review. I have delivered public talks at film and music festivals, and including SXSW, the BFI, and Glastonbury Festival.
Through my research, I challenge dominant narratives in media and popular culture, contribute to cultural policy discussions, and support the development of the creative industries both in the UK and globally.
