Inside Boathouse Pictures: Independent Films, Philly Productions, and What’s Next

We had the pleasure of interviewing Boathouse Pictures, an independent production and distribution studio based in the Greater Philadelphia region. In this interview, they share more about their projects, award-winning work, and what’s next, including their upcoming Roku streaming app, B-Roll TV.

1. Tell us about Boathouse Pictures

Boathouse Pictures was founded in 2012 by our CEO and Principal Producer, Andre Saballette. Originally marketed as a full-service video production company, our business model underwent an overhaul just a couple of years ago. We began promoting the company as an independent production and distribution studio seeking to produce and release unique and compelling films and shows that would connect with audiences around the world. Additionally, we provide affordable media and production services available to productions and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond.

2. What are some benefits of being an independent production and distribution studio?

You have more freedom when it comes to picking and choosing projects. It also allows us to have much more flexibility in our schedules. I, for one, appreciate when I can spend part of my day on calls and then use the rest of the day to catch up on emails, do some outreach to prospective clients & collaborators, or work on marketing materials.

3. Tell us about some of your projects?

There are so many incredible projects that we have had the privilege of working on over the last several years. In 2024, we attended the world premiere of our feature-length documentary, The Philly Sound Heard ‘Round The World, at the Philadelphia International Film Festival. This past November, we traveled to Stevensville, MI to film a two night live stand-up comedy show which is currently in post-production and will be pitched to a variety of streaming platforms. We also recently completed work on our first international co-production, a historical epic drama called Caesar: The Ides of March, with a group of UK filmmakers. And lastly, we are actively developing a new car-themed docuseries, Drivers Wanted. But these are just a few projects that we are currently working on because believe me when I say that Boathouse Pictures has a full slate for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. We are actively seeking investors and sponsors for our diverse set of film and tv projects.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring production companies

Networking is the key to being successful in any career but it is especially true in the film/tv industry. There is no such thing as making too many friends within our industry because you just never know when an opportunity will come up for collaboration. I would also encourage people to learn as much as you can about the various roles on a film production from cinematography and editing to budgeting and production management. Being able to understand both the creative and business side of filmmaking and production will make you such a valuable asset.

5. Biggest success story from Boathouse Pictures

We produced a lavish musical short film called Fine Wine in 2018. The film went on to win over a dozen awards in both US and international film festivals. Later in 2023, our sci-fi comedy short, Higher Grounds, won two awards at the FirstGlance Film Festival in Philadelphia and has since also been showcased at a number of international film festivals. We also partnered with Comcast-Spectator to produce a nationally televised commercial for the Veterans Multi-Service Center, a commercial that can still be seen periodically on television today.

6. Where can folks support your work

You can start by checking out our website: www.bhpictures.com. Boathouse Pictures is on all major social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok & Linkedin). We also have our own YouTube channel where you can find samples of our previous work. And we are in the process of launching our very own streaming app on Roku TVs & devices in the spring of 2026. B-Roll TV will focus on empowering independent filmmakers and artists by offering a mix of on-demand TV shows, movies, podcasts, and a variety of other original content.

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