ProSiebenSat.1’s Red Arrow in U.S. First-Look Deal

MUNICH/LOS ANGELES: Just a few months after making its first investment in the U.S.—purchasing a stake in Kinetic Content—ProSiebenSat.1’s Red Arrow Entertainment Group has inked a first-look agreement with Los Angeles-based production outfit Genetic Entertainment.

The pact gives Red Arrow a first look at the production company’s development as well as the distribution rights to its titles outside of the U.S., which will be represented by SevenOne International. Genetic was founded by exec producers David Wyler, Lincoln Hiatt and Curt Northrup. It recently made its first international deals, selling the reality competition format Home Sweet Hotel to Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. In addition, its game show Beat the Average has been optioned in Germany, France, the U.K. and the U.S., while Don’t Panic! has been picked up by Endemol for France.

"We strive to be the best possible partner to outstanding creative talent—and the people behind Genetic are just that," said Michael Schmidt, Red Arrow’s group director, for creative operations and business development.

Jan Frouman, group managing director of Red Arrow, added, "We are thrilled to be in partnership with Genetic, and expect our relationship to add vital creative firepower to our growing production and distribution businesses."

Genetic’s Curt Northrup noted, "Having the support of Red Arrow and regular access to a producer as astute as Michael Schmidt gives us the muscle of a large international corporation while preserving our creative independence and agility. It´s a terrific opportunity and we couldn’t be more excited about working together."