Dr Laura Mayne
A film historian who specialises in post-war British cinema, Laura is a published author. She co-wrote Transformation and Tradition in Sixties British Cinema, a reassessment of the nature and significance of British cinema and the film industry.
About Dr Laura Mayne
Laura is a historian of film and media whose research explores the cultural, industrial, and historical dimensions of screen media. Her work combines rigorous scholarship with an engaging approach to teaching, inspiring students to think critically about the moving image and its role in society. Her research interests include British cinema and television history, media industries, and archival practices, and she has published extensively on these topics.
Her recent monograph Channel 4 and the British Film Industry (EUP, 2024) assesses the impact of the broadcaster Channel 4 on British film culture since its beginnings in 1982. She is also co-editor of Sixties British Cinema Reconsidered (2020) and co-author of Reassessing Sixties British Cinema: Industry, Creativity and National Branding (2019), both published by Edinburgh University Press.
Areas of Expertise:
Film and Television History
Media Industries and Policy
Archival Research and Preservation
Cultural History of Screen Media
Beyond academia, Laura collaborates with leading film distributors, providing historical research for releases of classic British and American cult films—many of which have never before been available on video. Her work ensures that these restorations are accompanied by rich historical context, bringing archival research to new audiences worldwide. Laura has co-hosted the popular historical film podcast Second Features with Dr Adrian Smith and contributed commentary tracks for new film releases from companies including Network on Air. This work plays a vital role in connecting scholarly research with film enthusiasts and the general public, offering original perspectives on previously undiscovered films.