Hello! I’m Jemma Saunders (also known in some circles as Jemma Penny).

I’m a researcher, audiovisual practitioner and writer, also passionate about embedding practical skills development within higher education arts and humanities curricula. A key focus of my current role at the University of Birmingham involves managing industry placements for students at media production companies.

My ongoing audiovisual PhD (part-time) explores screen portrayals of Birmingham, where I’m based, using videographic criticism as a core research methodology. Some of my video essay and film work has screened internationally, at both academic events and festivals. Further research interests include creative practice approaches, documentary filmmaking, TV studies, location/setting, and history on screen. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Editor at Fragments. For more details about my research, you can visit my doctoral profile.

My published writing includes two historical eBooks (one of which is also available in print), a short travel piece featured in The Telegraph and several Readers’ Tips in The Guardian.