Blue Ant Makes Senior Hires, SBS Orders The Chaplain, NATPE Budapest Shifts to April 2026
Blue Ant Strengthens Leadership After Reverse Takeover
Canadian media company Blue Ant has announced two major executive appointments following its reverse takeover of Boat Rocker Media and public listing.
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Dervla Kelly has been named Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, leading corporate, consumer, and trade marketing strategy, including efforts around Canada’s Drag Race.
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Surani Adamesco has been appointed Chief Technology Officer, overseeing IT, Media Services, and Channel Playout teams.
Both will serve as Officers of Blue Ant and join the management team. COO Jamie Schouela stated:
“Now as a public company, we’re embarking on an ambitious growth strategy… Dervla and Surani bring exceptional expertise and strategic vision. Their leadership will be key as we scale operations, drive innovation, and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”
The news comes just after the exit of global acquisitions head Lilla Hurst, who departed after three years.
SBS Australia Orders Airport Drama The Chaplain
Australia’s SBS has commissioned The Chaplain, an eight-part drama from production company Wooden Horse (Mother and Son, The Clearing).
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Co-created by Elise McCredie and Jude Troy, the series follows airport chaplain Tobias Wallace, who uses unorthodox methods to resolve daily crises in a bustling international airport.
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The idea was inspired by Troy’s real-life encounter with Melbourne Airport’s chaplain Martin Scrimshaw, whose compassion and unusual guidance left a lasting impression.
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Writers include Sarah Bassiuoni (Critical Incident), Mithila Gupta (Four Years Later), and Thomas Weatherall (Heartbreak High).
Production will begin later this year in Victoria, with support from Screen Australia. Casting will be announced soon.
The commission is part of SBS’s 2025/26 upfront slate, which also features Reckless, a First Nations drama from Kodie Bedford about feuding siblings covering up a deadly hit-and-run.
NATPE Budapest Moves to April 2026
TV conference NATPE Budapest will shift from its usual June slot to April 27–29, 2026, remaining at the InterContinental Hotel in Budapest, with additional sessions at the Dorothea Hotel.
Owner Brunico Communications cited an “increasingly crowded June window” as the reason for the move. Executive Director Claire Macdonald said:
“After an outstanding 2025 edition, it became clear that moving NATPE Budapest to April gives buyers and partners a valuable head start. Buyers are the heartbeat of any sales market, and NATPE Budapest is where real dealmaking happens – not just conversation.”
Final details on studio screenings will be confirmed closer to the event.
