New Era Begins for Boat Rocker Studios

In early August, the management team at Boat Rocker Studios, led by co-founders David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg and long-time partner John Young, completed a buyout to return the company to privately held status, marking a “pivotal moment,” says Gia DeLaney, senior VP of global sales for kids and family at Boat Rocker Studios.

The successful completion of the management buyout gives the company “the flexibility to focus squarely on creativity, long-term brand-building and forging ambitious partnerships,” DeLaney says. “We can move faster on co-productions, structure deals more flexibly and selectively invest in the kinds of IP that have true global potential.”

Importantly, “there’s continuity at the helm,” DeLaney adds, “with our existing leadership team steering the studio across scripted, unscripted and kids and family, alongside our distribution, franchise and creative partnerships arms.”

Following its return to private ownership, Boat Rocker Studios acquired a majority stake in the Toronto-based kids’ animation studio Industrial Brothers, “long-time collaborators whose work consistently delivers on creativity, commercial appeal and global licensing potential,” DeLaney says. “Our majority acquisition was the natural next step in a partnership that has already yielded Dino Ranch, Dino Ranch: Island Explorers, Remy & Boo and Daniel Spellbound.”

DeLaney adds: “With Matt Fernandes and his team, we’ve renewed a first-look co-production agreement and are deepening collaboration across development, production and brand strategy. Together, we’re not only building out existing franchises, but also accelerating the creation of bold, new brands that can compete in the global kids’ space.”

The upcoming series Dino Ranch: Island Explorers, a spin-off of Dino Ranch, is a highlight of the slate Boat Rocker Studios is bringing to MIPCOM. “The original series built a strong emotional core—family, adventure and character-driven stories—and created demand for expanding the universe,” DeLaney notes.

Dino Ranch: Island Explorers introduces new characters and environments and fresh storylines to further engage kids. Initially developed with CBC as commissioner, the series has already brought on Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon Kids+ as partners.

And this is only the start of an expansion for the Dino Ranch franchise. “Our plan for Dino Ranch is multipronged: expand storytelling through spin-offs and specials, grow global broadcast and streaming distribution and scale consumer products and experiential moments,” DeLaney explains. “In short: more episodes, more formats, more platforms and a coordinated consumer-products strategy that keeps Dino Ranch top of mind for kids and parents everywhere.”

Shows like Dino Ranch perfectly match what kids—and therefore broadcasters—are looking for today, DeLaney says. “Buyers want distinctive IP with clear audience hooks, proven franchise potential and multiplatform flexibility. They’re looking for high-quality kids’ content that performs in linear and streaming. STEM-forward content and evergreen preschool storytelling are particularly resonating.”

“We’re also seeing buyers lean toward acquiring completed or near-complete projects rather than commissioning from scratch, so we’ve shaped a slate that’s commercially ready, with content we can take to market now,” DeLaney notes.

Alongside Dino Ranch and Dino Ranch: Island Explorers, Boat Rocker Studios will be presenting a completed tenth season of its hit tween series The Next Step.

All the titles on the Boat Rocker Studios slate—including the aforementioned programs and beyond—were “chosen for creative strength, licensing upside and international sales potential,” DeLaney emphasizes.

As the company prepares to present these titles to the market, “we want partners to know Boat Rocker Studios is open for ambitious collaboration,” DeLaney stresses. “Coming into MIPCOM as a newly independent, privately owned studio, we’re showcasing the full breadth of our work—from premium drama and award-winning kids’ animation to globally trusted franchises and live fan experiences.

“Our objective is to secure strong sales at MIPCOM. This is a priority market for us and we’re newly energized with the flexibility and increased investment that comes from being private again.”