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Dr. James Russell is Deputy Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media at De Montfort University, where he is based in the Leicester Media School. He is a leading scholar in film and media studies, with a focus on Hollywood history, blockbuster economics, and the cultural impact of popular entertainment.
His educational background includes a PhD in Film Studies from the University of East Anglia, an MA in the History of Film and Popular Culture, and a BA in English, both from the University of Exeter.
James Russell's research centers on the social and economic dimensions of Hollywood cinema, particularly the relationship between American films and the Baby Boomer generation. His work explores blockbuster production, child and family media, and the role of religion and national identity in adaptations. He has published extensively on directors like Spielberg and Jackson, and franchises such as Harry Potter and Star Wars.
His recent publications span cultural history, film criticism, and adaptation studies, revealing a consistent focus on how major media franchises reflect and shape societal values. Themes include generational identity, religious symbolism, and the business of filmmaking.
He has received significant research funding, including a Leverhulme Trust grant for his project on Hollywood and the Baby Boom. He also led an internal RIT-funded project on using videogames in teaching adaptations.
Dr. Russell supervises PhD students Richard Glanville and Cassandra Brummit. His public engagement includes regular contributions to The Guardian, interviews in The Independent, BBC Radio appearances, and public lectures on films like Avatar and Metropolis. He is affiliated with the Cinema and Television History (CATH) Research Centre and the Centre for Adaptations, and is a member of several professional associations including the Association of Adaptation Studies and the War and Media Network.
