Noel Hedges lands blockbuster role at Boat Rocker, eyes MIPCOM

Noel Hedges has been hired as Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Strategy at Boat Rocker Studios. The Canadian production house announced the new appointment on Thursday, stating that Hedges will be based in its London office and will begin working with the company in early October.

He is slated to attend MIPCOM later that month as part of the Boat Rocker team.

Hedges left Lionsgate earlier this year after a long tenure that included senior positions at DRG, ITV Studios, Cineflix and eOne— the latter of which was acquired by Lionsgate.

With more than 25 years of experience in international television, Hedges is known for steering large content portfolios and forging co‑production partnerships worldwide. His new role will focus on increasing the long‑term value of Boat Rocker’s library through IP acquisitions, rights ownership deals and collaborative projects.

Boat Rocker Studios has grown rapidly, boasting a slate that includes Netflix’s *Bet* and *Geek Girl*, BBC‑Binge‑RTÉ co‑production *Mix Tape*, and the BBC Scotland/Sky New Zealand series *The Ridge*.

The company also produces Apple TV’s *Invasion* and *Palm Royale*, BBC America/CTV drama *Orphan Black*, and children’s series *The Next Step*. In recent weeks, Boat Rocker secured rights to the upcoming CBC docuseries *Doula: A True Crime*, which will premiere at MIPCOM.

## Background & Context

Noel Hedges’ career spans more than a quarter of a century in senior executive roles across several major studios. He began his trajectory at DRG, where he helped build the company’s global distribution network. Subsequent stints at ITV Studios, Cineflix and eOne further refined his expertise in content development and rights management.

When eOne was absorbed by Lionsgate, Hedges transitioned to the larger conglomerate before deciding to leave earlier this year.

Boat Rocker Studios itself has rapidly positioned itself as a key player in the international market. Its projects have reached audiences across multiple platforms— from streaming giants like Netflix and Apple TV+ to traditional broadcasters such as BBC and Sky.

The studio’s focus on high‑quality, distinctive IP aligns with Hedges’ own track record of sourcing compelling content that resonates globally.

The broader television industry continues to see a surge in strategic acquisitions and co‑production deals. Studios are increasingly seeking to expand their libraries by partnering with creators and securing long‑term rights across regions.

In this competitive environment, Hedges’ experience with IP negotiation and cross‑border collaboration could prove invaluable to Boat Rocker’s growth ambitions.

## What People Are Saying

Jon Rutherford, President of Global Content & Rights at Boat Rocker, welcomed the new appointment. “In addition to his wealth of experience, Noel is extremely well-regarded throughout the industry, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Boat Rocker Studios team,” Rutherford said.

He added that the company’s strategic priorities are focused on investing in great IP and maximizing its value across all business units.

Hedges expressed enthusiasm about joining Boat Rocker. “I’m excited to join Boat Rocker at a time when the company is investing so deliberately in distinctive, high‑quality IP,” he said. He also noted his commitment to sourcing ambitious projects and expanding the studio’s already impressive content portfolio.

Earlier this week, news broke that Boat Rocker had secured the rights to *Doula: A True Crime*, a CBC docuseries set to launch in Cannes at MIPCOM. The acquisition underscores the studio’s ongoing efforts to bolster its slate with compelling, globally relevant content— a mission that Hedges will help steer.

## What Happens Next

Hedges is expected to begin his duties in early October and will join the Boat Rocker team at MIPCOM later that month. His first major task will involve evaluating potential IP acquisitions and negotiating rights ownership deals that align with the studio’s long‑term strategy.

He will also work closely with co‑production partners to develop new projects that can be distributed across multiple platforms.

Boat Rocker’s leadership has emphasized a clear focus on investing in great IP and maximizing its value throughout the organization. Under Hedges’ guidance, the studio plans to broaden its content portfolio by identifying promising projects and securing strategic partnerships.

His role will also involve strengthening existing assets through renewed rights negotiations and extended co‑production agreements.

The addition of Noel Hedges to Boat Rocker’s executive team signals the company’s intent to solidify its position as a leading global content producer. With his extensive experience in acquisitions and content strategy, Hedges is poised to help the studio unlock new growth opportunities across the entertainment landscape.