Boat Rocker ups ex-Fremantle exec to Kids & Family content EVP

Boat Rocker Studios has appointed former Fremantle exec Bob Higgins as executive VP of content for its Kids & Family division.

Following its acquisition of Fremantle Kids & Family (FMK) last year, Higgins joined Boat Rocker as has since overseen the creative direction of the acquired programmes, while also collaborating on Boat Rocker’s existing kids’ development slate and current productions.

In the new role, Higgins will lead a restructured kids and family content team that will see the merging of kids’ entertainment division Radical Sheep into Boat Rocker Studio’s Kids & Family.

In addition, Higgins will oversee Boat Rocker’s co-productions with Industrial Brothers.

Higgins is based in Boat Rocker’s New York office and will continue to report to Jon Rutherford, MD and president of rights for Boat Rocker Studios.

Shaleen Sangha, recently promoted to Radical Sheep’s VP, will now report into Higgins, as will former FMK VP of development and production, Chapman Maddox.

Jam Filled Entertainment, Boat Rocker’s 2D and 3D animation studio, will continue to be led by its president, Kyle MacDougal and fellow co-founders Jamie Leclaire and Phil Lafrance, remaining a separate operating entity from the Kids & Family original content team.

“Bob is a long-time champion of children’s programming and has made a significant impact since joining Boat Rocker last year” said Rutherford. “His knowledge, skills, and incredible leadership will be an integral part of our business as we continue to build our portfolio of exceptional kids and family content.”

Higgins added: “We already have an amazing kids & family portfolio at Boat Rocker and I’m looking forward to tapping into all of the resources that exist here to expand that even further.

“My mandate is to blend the creative talent and philosophies within the BoatRocker family…. amassing a stable of the best artists, writers and directors working today and helping them to develop some of the most original, creatively dynamic entertainment product in the marketplace.”