Dr Stephen Gaunson

Steve researches on national and international cinema industries. Over the past few years, a significant focus of his research has been investigating the social act of going to the cinema. Having built national standing as a leading authority during this time, in 2022 he secured a grant to research the history of Hoyts Cinemas in Australia, which will deliver a series of impactful outcomes including a book, under contract.

Steve is Higher Degree Research Director, DSC, which is one of three academic colleges at RMIT consisting of eight schools and 750 HDR candidates across a broad range of disciplines and with presence in Vietnam, Barcelona, Singapore and China. He leads HDR College activity as it relates to industry partnered projects, internships and international recruitment strategies.

In the School of Media & Communication, Steve teaches undergraduate cinema courses on adaptation, documentary, national cinema & film history.

He can be regularly heard on ABC Melbourne and Radio National as an expert commentator on the national film industry.

Dr Gaunson is the Coordinator of Higher Degrees Research (HDR) in the School of Media & Communication. 

He serves on a number of internal committees including the School's HDR Committee (Chair), Academic Workload Allocation Model (AWAM) Committee, and the School Research Committee (SRC). He is also on the committee for the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Research Collection.

• Doctorate of Philosophy, School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, 2010
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours — Cinema Studies), LaTrobe University, 2000
• Bachelor of Arts (Media Studies), LaTrobe University, 1999

Full-time, by appointment

Dr Gaunson continues to work as a film script editor and assessor.

Produced featured films
2007: Script editor, Kings, De Facto Films (Tom Collins, Ireland)
Irish Film and Television Awards – Best Film (2007)

2005: Script editor, Dead Long Enough, De Facto Films (Tom Collins, Ireland)
Cardiff Film Festival – Audience Award Winner (2006)