National Indigenous Television (NITV) has announced three new appointments to its commissioning team, as it increases its commitment and investment in original First Nations storytelling.
A proud Warlpiri, Warrumungu and Arrernte woman, Dena Curtis, will join in November as head of indigenous commissioning and production. She will lead NITV’s content production and development across its slate of original commissions, internal productions, and digital content.
Curtis will be joined by Wiradjuri man Cieron Cody, coming on board as senior commissioning editor to drive NITV’s commissions slate across original scripted and unscripted content. His appointment sees him return to NITV, having spent the last almost four years with Screen Australia’s Documentary Unit. He’ll build on a range of career experience across the development and production of feature film, documentary, drama and children’s content in his new role at NITV, where he’ll oversee the management and delivery of commissioned content, and the ongoing development of a pipeline of programming, and initiatives elevating Indigenous talent.
Joseph Meldrum, a Ghungalu writer, director, producer and production executive, was also appointed as commissioning editor. Currently a content assessor with NITV, his appointment sees him stepping up to play a key role in supporting development and delivery of commissioned content. Prior to NITV, Meldrum worked in Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, Screen Queensland as well as production roles in major media brands internationally.
Jason Oakley, acting director of Indigenous content at SBS and NITV, acknowledged the depth of experience and talent the three will bring to NITV’s original First Nations content slate.
“NITV is home to Australia’s most distinctive content offering, and we’re looking forward to having Cieron come back to NITV in this role, see Joe take the next step in the team, and to have Dena with her extensive experience taking on this key leadership position for the channel,” he said.
“They bring incredible talent and diverse experience from across the screen industry, and share a passion for developing, elevating and empowering the Indigenous production sector and First Nations storytellers. As NITV continues its growth, we’re excited to continue our trajectory in investing more in distinctive, award winning, First Nations stories with wide appeal and meaningful impact”.
Curtis will commence with on 4 November, and Cody and Meldrum commence in their roles from 18 November.