Boat Rocker buys up remaining 30% of Canuck Amazing Race outfit Insight Productions for $5.5m

Insight’s The Amazing Race Canada

Canadian studio Boat Rocker has completed its acquisition of the 30% of Insight Productions it didn’t already own for C$7.95m (US$5.54m).

Insight Productions, the Toronto-based unscripted specialist that produces shows including The Amazing Race Canada, Top Chef Canada and Canada’s Ultimate Challenge, has been part of the Boat Rocker fold since 2018.

John Brunton will continue to lead Insight Productions as its chairperson and CEO.

The consummation of the transaction comes almost five months after Boat Rocker announced its intention to buy out the remainder of Insight Productions, which is among the largest and most well-established unscripted producers in the country.

The deal comes as Boat Rocker looks to deepen its focus on unscripted as it faces a downturn in its US scripted business, which has taken a significant hit as buyers have pulled back in the wake of the 2023 strikes.

“We’re delighted to have completed the purchase of the remaining minority interest of Insight Productions that will allow Boat Rocker to continue to lean into high-profile service work, grow its stable of clients in Canada and the US, and produce premium content, while continuing to operate debt-free with a strong balance sheet,” said Boat Rocker CEO John Young.

Brunton added: “[Boat Rocker has] been a wonderful long-standing partner and we’re looking forward to continue working alongside their team in this new capacity to produce award-winning content for global audiences.”