Blue Ant Rights Appoints Barnaby Shingleton As SVP, Acquisitions

Blue Ant Rights, the distribution arm of Blue Ant Studios, has appointed Barnaby Shingleton as Senior Vice President, Acquisitions, bolstering its senior leadership team as the company continues to expand its global content and rights business.

In his new role, Shingleton will lead Blue Ant Studios' global acquisitions strategy, working to strengthen relationships with producers, broadcasters, and partners worldwide. Reporting to Mark Bishop, Co-President of Blue Ant Studios, he will be based in the company’s London office from January 6 and will collaborate closely with the studio’s production, distribution, and channel teams to grow the company’s catalogue and maintain a strong pipeline of high-quality programming for international partners.

"Barnaby is an exceptional executive with a proven track record of building premium content businesses and delivering global-scale results," said Mark Bishop, Co-President, Blue Ant Studios. "His deep experience across content monetization and international distribution makes him a natural fit for Blue Ant as we continue to grow as a public company and expand our global rights and acquisitions strategy. We're thrilled to welcome him to the team."

Shingleton brings more than 25 years of experience spanning global distribution, production, broadcast, and development. He has previously held senior leadership roles at Sky Studios, Sky Vision, and Zodiak Rights, where he played a key role in developing international distribution strategies and overseeing the development, financing, and sale of premium unscripted and entertainment content.

Most recently, as Director of Factual at Sky Studios, he oversaw Sky’s wholly owned unscripted production companies across the UK and the United States, including Love Productions and Jupiter Entertainment. During his tenure, he delivered premium Sky Original documentaries and series through innovative financing and international co-production partnerships, expanded international catalogues, and commercialised content for global audiences.

"I'm delighted to be joining Blue Ant Studios at such an exciting moment in the company's evolution," said Barnaby Shingleton, SVP, Acquisitions, Blue Ant Studios. "Blue Ant has built a strong global reputation for premium storytelling and creative ambition, and I’m looking forward to working with the talented teams to expand the acquisitions strategy, and help bring compelling stories to audiences globally."

In addition to the appointment, Blue Ant Studios confirmed that Valentina Daley has been promoted to Vice President, Acquisitions & Production Executive. Reporting to Shingleton, she will oversee all US and Canadian producer relationships for third-party acquisitions, as well as act as Production Executive on third-party series commissioned through the studio.