The 1970s Project

Sian Barber is currently involved in the 1970s' project, undertaking her PhD on mainstream British films of the 1970's. Her aim is to create a map of popularity of British films in this period and match it with information about popular taste and box office success. Her project is heavily research and archive based and considers methods of production, exhibition and distribution against a background of wider economic and social change.

Understanding the background to the 1970s is crucial for a full comprehension of the films which emerged from this period and an awareness of the audience who did or did not go and see them. So far popular genres, including the canon of 'Carry On' and 'Confessions' film, have been examined as well as evaluations of the horror and gangster genres. Additionally, a careful trawl through various archives including the National archives, Board of Film Censorship library, British library and the BFI, have been carried out to find out more information about external organisations and their impact on films and film culture in this period.

Sian comes from a background in film and history, studying first at York. gaining a BA in history and then at the University of the West of England, gaining a MA in film studies and European Cinema.