Award-winning global entertainment company Boat Rocker Studios, based in Toronto, today announced the successful close of its management buyout, marking the company’s return to operating as a privately held, independent studio.
Led by co-founders David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg alongside longtime partner John Young, Boat Rocker Studios will continue to operate under its existing leadership team and brand. The newly private studio retains its award-winning Scripted, Unscripted and Kids & Family divisions together with its global distribution business, brand & franchise group, and creative partnerships arm.
“This exciting next chapter gives us the independence and flexibility to continue bringing compelling and entertaining stories to audiences around the world across all genres and platforms,” said Fortier, Schneeberg & Young in a joint statement. “We’re energized by the opportunity ahead and grateful to our partners, creators, and teams for their continued belief in Boat Rocker.”
An independent, integrated global entertainment company with offices around the world, Boat Rocker’s services span production, distribution and brand & franchise management. In partnership with Industrial Brothers, Boat Rocker develops, produces, and exploits Industrial Brothers’ original animated series for preschool and family audiences, including Dino Ranch (Disney+, Disney Jr., CBC).
Some of Boat Rocker’s projects also include the animated series Daniel Spellbound (Netflix) and and Dino Ranch: Island Explorers (Amazon Kids+, CBC, Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA), and live-action titles including Invasion (Apple TV+), Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, CTV Sci-Fi Channel), Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (Apple TV+), Palm Royale (Apple TV+), Mix Tape (BBC, Binge, RTE) and Video Nasty (BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Three, Virgin Media One, WDR).
Directly related to this move, the former Boat Rocker Media Inc. — now Blue Ant Media Corporation — announced the closing of the previously-announced “go public” reverse takeover transaction which was implemented by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The subordinate voting shares of Blue Ant are expected to commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbol “BAMI” on or about August 6 or 7, 2025. In the meantime, the shares of BRMI are expected to continue to trade on a pre-consolidation basis under the current ticker symbol “BRMI”.
Earlier today, prior to the closing of the RTO, the Company completed the sale of its Boat Rocker Studios business to a privately owned company controlled by Boat Rocker’s co-founders and co-Executive Chairmen, Fortier and Schneeberg, and Young, CEO. It also sold its minority investment in a U.S. talent management business to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited . In connection with closing of the Transactions, Boat Rocker’s co-founders and CEO resigned as officers and directors of the Company.
“This is a transformative moment for Blue Ant Media,” said CEO Michael MacMillan. “As a newly public company, we are entering our next phase of growth as a modern, global media business. With a strong capital position, a proven content model and operations across key international markets, we’re well-positioned to scale in a rapidly evolving landscape. We’re proud to welcome our new shareholders as we execute our strategy to drive long-term value through IP ownership, platform reach and global distribution.”
