Boat Rocker Studios Takes Majority Stake in Industrial Brothers

Boat Rocker Studios has increased its stake in Industrial Brothers to a majority holding and has renewed its first-look co-production deal with the animation outfit.

Boat Rocker previously held a significant minority stake in the venture behind Dino Ranch and its spin-off Island Explorers, as well as Remy & Boo and Daniel Spellbound.

Matthew Fernandes, Industrial Brothers’ co-founder and chief creative officer, will continue to lead the venture with COO Tammy Semen overseeing production and day-to-day operations. Fernandes sits on the board alongside Boat Rocker’s founders, David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, working closely with Boat Rocker’s Jon Rutherford, president of global rights, franchise and content strategy, and Rutherford’s senior management team on the company’s kids and family and animation strategy.

“The need for original IP that meaningfully connects with kids and families around the globe is stronger than ever today, and we are committed to fulfilling that need through our enhanced partnership with Industrial Brothers and with Matt and Tammy, who share our vision for the future,” said Fortier and Schneeberg in a joint statement. “Our broader agreement with Industrial Brothers provides us with strategic strengths in a very competitive marketplace and will greatly maximize our opportunities ahead.”

“Industrial Brothers has developed into a powerful player in the animation business with a robust roster of globally successful original IP and I’m excited that our longstanding creative collaboration with Boat Rocker has evolved into a larger partnership,” said Fernandes. “Together, we will create even more standout content, which will further solidify Industrial Brothers’ position as a leading creator and producer of quality entertainment for kids and families everywhere.”