James Chapman (born 1968) is Professor of Film Studies at the University of Leicester. He has written several books on the history of British popular culture, including work on cinema, television and comics.
In 1996 he joined The Open University, where he taught a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and was principal contributing author to the university's first dedicated course on Film and Television History. He joined the University of Leicester as its founding Professor of Film Studies in 2005.
Chapman's research focuses on British popular culture, especially cinema and television in their historical contexts. He has written or edited ten books, including two which he has co-authored with Professor Nicholas J. Cull. His books include studies of the science fiction television series Doctor Who and the James Bond films. SFX magazine described his book Licence To Thrill as "thoughtful, intelligent, ludicrous and a bit snobby – bit like Bond really".[1]
Chapman has also published articles in the following journals: Screen, Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, Journal of Popular British Cinema, Visual Culture in Britain, Journal of Contemporary History, Contemporary British History, Media History and European Journal of Cultural Studies.