Jon Towlson

Position
Staff
Job title
Tutor (Script Writing), Lifelong Learning Centre

Contact

My role

I am a part-time lecturer in creative writing, currently teaching modules in scriptwriting, professional studies and writing science fiction, fantasy and horror.

Professional experience

I am a film critic and author of several books on science fiction, horror and genre cinema. I have written for the British Film Institute and a number of academic journals including Offscreen, Bright Lights Film Journal and Cine Excess Journal.  

As a freelance journalist, I regularly contribute to popular genre publications such as Scream, Starburst and Digital Film Maker; I also write booklet essays for DVD companies: Arrow Films, Second Sight Films, Eureka and 101 Films.  

As a film critic, I have introduced film screenings at City Screen in York, the Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds, the Electric Cinema in Birmingham and the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. 

I have written and directed several short films funded by EMMI, Yorkshire Arts and Channel 4. 

Alongside my role here, I teach media at the University of York.

Qualifications

I studied scriptwriting at Bournemouth University before completing my postgraduate studies at Goldsmiths, University of London and Southampton Solent University.  

As a senior lecturer at the Arts University Bournemouth I led courses in film and video production as well as teaching modules in scriptwriting, dramatic studies and genre and authorship.