Toronto-based Boat Rocker has signed a first-look deal with Canadian actor/producers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, the stars of the two of the media company’s upcoming projects: Apple series Invasion and Beacon 23 for AMC Networks.

The accord will see the brothers – who have made it a mission to inspire Black Canadians – develop and produce their own original TV projects under their Bay Mills Studios banner for Boat Rocker.

Anderson, who is also a writer, stars in sci-fi series Invasion set to premiere on Apple TV+ on October 22. Named a Rising Star by TIFF in 2019, he is co-writing the screenplay for New Line Cinema’s feature film Super High which he will also executive produce. It stars Andy Samberg, Common and Craig Robinson.

Previously, Anderson starred in Halle Berry’s directorial debut Bruised for Netflix, which premiered at TIFF 2020, and the streamer’s Stowaway opposite Anna Kendrick, Toni Collette, and Daniel Dae Kim. Anderson also stars in John Wick 4.

James, who has nominations for both an Emmy and Golden Globe for acting and producing, will executive produce Boat Rocker and Spectrum’s upcoming psychological sci-fi thriller Beacon 23 for AMC Networks. He will also star opposite Lena Headey. Previous credits include Barry Jenkin’s If Beale Street Could Talk, Quibi’s #FreeRayShawn and the upcoming National Champions.

“We are incredibly excited to join forces with Boat Rocker to bring riveting content to the thriving television landscape,” the brothers said in a joint statement, which praised Boat Rocker for its “creative ambitions” and “visionary storytelling.”

They added: “Our goal through Bay Mills Studios is to help shift the cultural paradigm in giving a platform to inspired and underrepresented voices, changing the way we see the world through art. We couldn’t ask for a better partner in daring to dream as much as we do, all while having the global reach to encourage others to do the same.”

The brothers recently paired with Boat Rocker’s Insight Productions for a multi-year broadcast deal to develop an awards show to celebrate established and emerging Black Canadian talent across film, TV, music, sports and culture. They serve as co-chairs and co-founders of The Black Academy, a division of Building A Legacy in Acting, Cinema and Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Canada, the community based not-for-profit organization launched in 2016.

Boat Rocker previously inked first-look deals with Headey’s Peephole Productions, Stephanie Langhoff’s High Tide Productions, and TeaTime Pictures with Dakota Johnson and Ro Donnelly.

“Shamier and Stephan are true creative forces,” said David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, co-executive chairmen, Boat Rocker Media and co-chairmen, Boat Rocker Studios, in a statement. “As actors, producers, business leaders and activists, they are breaking new ground and achieving new heights. Everybody at Boat Rocker is thrilled to be partnering with them as they embark on telling the stories they want to tell to the world.”

Anderson is represented by CAA, Daniel Abrams of Oscars Abrams Zimel & Associates, Mosaic, Viewpoint and Jeff Bernstein of Jackoway Austen.

James is represented by CAA, Norbert Abrams of Noble Caplan Abrams, Range MP, Viewpoint and Jeff Bernstein of Jackoway Austen.

Photo (L-R): Shamier Anderson & Stephan James courtesy Jah Grey