Q&A with Riot’s new Campaigns Executive, Natasha Gill

Natasha has been a book publicist for the last three years, working in the PR departments of some of the UK’s major publishing houses, including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins and Hachette. She graduated with First Class Honours in BA Geography and have worked in publishing ever since. She loves the arts more broadly so when an opportunity came up to work at Riot, she jumped at the chance.

What are you most excited about when it comes to joining Riot?

Definitely the breadth of projects. Book campaigns are my bread and butter, but I’m really excited to be stepping beyond the pages of the book and working on an array of arts & culture campaigns more broadly. These include the Moomins, the Royal Institution, and the Nero Book Awards.

With no limitations in place, who would be your dream client?

Though there are many, I think I’d have to say Naomi Scott. I didn’t realise it until later in life, but I was first introduced to her when I watched the iconic Disney movie, Lemonade Mouth. Naomi Scott’s repertoire of work, just within tv & film, is impressive. Plus, seeing a brown, British woman achieve such fame is deeply inspiring.

What was the first book you fell in love with?

‘A Room with a View’ by E.M. Forster. It was my first introduction to classic literature, by which I had previously been so intimidated. Forster’s descriptive prose transported me to Florence and all that Tuscany has to offer. It was the book that made me fall in love with Tuscany, before I’d ever visited it. I also loved Lucy’s desire for exploration, which at the time was considered unconventional. Lucy is a real girl with real feelings and I found her incredibly compelling.

What are some of your other passions?

I love going to theatre! I often grab last-minute tickets and take myself on a solo trip to the West End – it’s one of my greatest joys of being an adult. I also enjoy grabbing dinner and drinks with friends after work – it reminds me that I’m living the London life my younger self dreamed off.