Michael Lawrence

Dr. Michael Lawrence is a Reader in Media and Film at the University of Sussex, School of Media, Arts and Humanities. He previously held roles as Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England and Lecturer at Sussex. His academic journey includes a BA from Leeds University, an MA from Middlesex University, and a PhD in Film Studies from Middlesex. He served as Head of Film Studies at Sussex from 2018 to 2022.

Research focuses on animal representation in cinema, child performance, Bollywood adaptations, and music-film intersections. Notable works include DISCO! Music, Image, Dance (2025), Animal Life and the Moving Image (2015), and studies on Hollywood’s portrayal of juveniles. Current projects include a book on Hollywood’s cattle-beef complex and disco-centric British cinema analyses.

His publications span edited collections, book chapters, and journal articles addressing topics like transnational film remakes, canine narratives, and Bollywood’s evolving child stars. He secured a British Academy grant (2020–2021) for research on BAME histories in cinematic adaptations. Collaborations include co-editing works on zoos in media and animal life representation.

Teaching includes core modules like Global Cinema and Film Theory, alongside electives on British Cinema and Pop Soundtrack Cinema. Lawrence actively mentors PhD candidates in his research areas, emphasizing interdisciplinary film studies.