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Gabrielle Smith
Northumbria University
Ph.D Student

Gabrielle Smith is a final-year Ph.D candidate at Northumbria University, Newcastle and is a film and television studies graduate from the universities of Aberdeen and Glasgow. Her current research explores the role of the British children’s television presenter. She has spoken at several international conferences, including the plenary panel of ‘The Story of Children and Television’ at the University of Warwick (2015) and Screen, Glasgow (2017) on all things children’s presentation – from the Broom Cupboard to ‘Blue Peter’. As well as children’s television presenters, she loves TV puppets and, of course, owns her own Edd the Duck. @GabySmithTV
Gabrielle's Sessions
Report – The Last Word
As the world seems to close its eyes to the people on the edges, life for children and young people in the care system is often steeped in a lack of expectation and frustration. This panel invited three changemakers to share how these perceived limitations can be replaced with satisfaction…
Report – Kindfulness
The full session is available here as a podcast: A huge topic on the minds for kids’ media professionals today – how can we get kindness on the cards? Producers and media industry experts discuss the ways kindness, empathy and respect can make their mark on children’s media content Takeaway:…
BarrowBand Flash Mob
Upon arrival at the Crucible Theatre for tonight's Creative Keynote, delegates were greeted to what appeared to be a very traditional marketplace fruit 'n' veg stall parked in the entrance. But this was no ordinary market barrow – it was in fact The BarrowBand. Flash mob like you've never seen before, this band…
Report - Look! No Strings
Puppets are brought to life for television, theatre and film by the talented puppeteers that operate them. Thinking about puppetry as a skilled and diverse art, this panel explores the magic and illusion of puppets and performance Takeaway: Puppets have the ability to animate and engage their audience, and are…
Report – Are We Open?
Prof. Jeanette Steemers moderated this morning’s session dedicated to covering many of the policy issues facing children’s television today, in a ‘Question Time’ panel format – asking how is the industry open for ideas, challenges and potential problems within the current climate? Takeaway: Policy, budget and funding will impact the…
Report – Playground
and Catherine Trewavas Based at Cantor Gallery, the Playground is open to all. An interactive digital art exhibition featuring cutting edge digital technology – mixing play and interaction for children (and big kids too)! Games, apps, toys and even VR to immerse oneself in. Takeaways Projects focused on enhancing digital skills…