Robert Smith (broadcaster)

Robert John Smith was born on June 5 1971 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. Smith was a well known presenter of factual entertainment and children's TV shows in the late nineties and in early 2000. He now produces and directs series for UK broadcasters and corporate films for some of the biggest companies in the world.Occupation television and film producer. He was formally a presenter for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

Early life

Born in Nottingham, Smith is the son of deaf parents.

He attended Middleton Primary School in Wollaton, Margaret Glen Bott School in Wollaton Park, Nottingham. He trained as a chef at Clarendon College of Further Education.

Career

Smith began his career as a chef and went on to own a deli in Nottingham City Centre called Smith's Delicatessen. It was here that a feature was made for an ITV Digital food programme and he was asked to become a presenter for the show.

Early career

Smith went to drama school at the Tozer School of Dance and Drama, Nottingham. He appeared in the choir of the touring production of Bill Kenwrights, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Nottingham Theatre Royal over seven years. He was a babe in the Nottingham Theatre Royal pantomime Babes in the Wood with Barbara Windsor and in the late eighties he appeared as Gibbs in the Nottingham Playhouse production of Kes, directed by Kenneth Alan Taylor. He unsuccessfully auditioned for drama school in the early 90's and it was then that he decided to become a chef. It was only in later years that he began working in broadcast entertainment.

Food Network Daily

In 1997 Robert began his media career on the food series, Food Network Daily on the Carlton Food Network. He started as a guest chef but was soon asked to be a regular presenter. He presented the gossip section of the show and presenter Sarah Greene nicknamed him 'Scoop'. Robert went on to present various strands for the show including the red carpet at the ITV London Restaurant Awards and 'Stars and their Bites' (famous people interviewed at their favourite restaurants).

Terrestrial Television

In early 2000 Smith co-presented on the children's CBBC series Very Important Party with former Animal Hospital presenter Shauna Lowry, presented strands on Live & Kicking Saturday morning BBC and presented on the Channel 4 show Collectors Lot which once again featured the presenter Sarah Greene.

Director/Producer

Smith soon diversified in to the directing and producing side of television and he worked behind the camera for ITV. He directed several series including 'Cheesy Rider' with presenter Rowland Rivron. In December 2007 he directed the filming of Dame Shirley Bassey's 70th birthday party at Clivedon. The former home of Viscount Astor, house where the Profumo affair occurred and now an exclusive hotel.

Own Productions

Smith develeloped a media company called Gemineye with business partner Jocelyn Platt and made two series of 'Out of the Frying Pan' with presenter James Martin.

Corporate

Smith has become a well known maker of corporate films. He currently makes films for Lloyds TSB, Nestle and BMW. He has just started a new venture with business partner John Denton called Parallel Blue Media. He is Ceative Director of this company. PBM is part of the Parallel Blue Group.

Personal life

Smith spends his time in London and Nottinghamshire.

TV appearances

Food Network Daily (ITV),Collectors Lot (C4),Very Important Party (CBBC),Live & Kicking (BBC),Can't Cook, Won't Cook (BBC),Aunties Bloopers (BBC).