NITV has appointed filmmaker Caden Pearson as its new Commissioning Editor, handing him a key role in shaping the broadcaster’s future slate of First Nations programming.
The Bagarrmuguwarra writer, director and producer joins the network’s commissioning team after more than a decade working across scripted, documentary and factual productions.
Pearson joins Cieron Cody and Dena Curtis in NITV’s commissioning team, filling the vacancy left by Joseph Meldrum, who departed in May. In the role, he will help oversee the development and commissioning of NITV’s original scripted and unscripted content.
NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production Dena Curtis said Pearson’s experience across multiple genres, combined with his passion for supporting emerging First Nations creatives, made him a valuable addition to the commissioning team.
“I’m excited to see the impact he’ll have as NITV continues to deliver bold, distinctive First Nations storytelling.”
Pearson said joining NITV was a meaningful next step in a career that began as a teenager making documentaries about his own community, describing filmmaking as a way to preserve culture, tell important stories and ensure First Nations perspectives are heard.
“I don’t just want to see First Nations stories told. I want to see First Nations storytellers flourish. I’m genuinely stoked to be here.”
Hailing from Far North Queensland, Pearson has built a career across television and film, developing original scripted projects, contributing to writers’ rooms, and working as a writer, director and producer.
Most recently, Pearson was director and co producer of the SBS Food series Taste of the Tropics, which explored the people, produce and flavours of Tropical North Queensland.
His previous screen credits include the scripted web series Lakefield, the NITV documentary Wawu: Divine Hope and the feature film Storm Bird.
