Michael Schmidt to Exit Red Arrow Studios

After 15 years with ProSiebenSat.1, Michael Schmidt, chief creative officer of Red Arrow Studios, has decided to leave the company when his current management contract concludes at the end of June.

Schmidt will be succeeded by Nina Etspueler, who is currently executive VP of creative operations at Red Arrow Studios and Schmidt’s deputy. Etspueler will be promoted to group creative director at Red Arrow Studios, reporting to James Baker, president and COO of Red Arrow Studios, effective from March 1. Etspueler will continue to be based in Munich.

Baker said: “I would like to thank Michael for his dedication and hard work over the years. He has played an instrumental role in building the Red Arrow business from its start in 2010, and on behalf of all of my colleagues at Red Arrow and ProSiebenSat.1, we wish him all the best for the future.”

Baker continued: “I am delighted that Nina is stepping up to this new role of group creative director at Red Arrow Studios. As we continue to grow and build out our production and distribution network in Germany and internationally, Nina is a key player in this expansion, from working with ProSiebenSat.1 channels and RedSeven in Germany, to our production network around the world.”

Etspueler said: “I am very happy to be taking on this new role at Red Arrow, and excited about leading the creative strategy and direction of our business, working with Red Arrow’s production companies and partners. I would also like to thank Michael for being my mentor, colleague and friend, and I wish him every success.”

Schmidt said: “ProSiebenSat.1 has defined my life much longer and much deeper than just the 15 years I had the pleasure of being with the team. Back in the ’90s, my first work as a director was already for the company. I am incredibly thankful for all the support and opportunities I was given by the fantastic team and people I worked with. I am also incredibly proud about what we have achieved at Red Arrow since we started in 2010. Having worked with my dear friend Nina very closely since I joined ProSiebenSat.1, handing the reins over to her now fills me with great joy. Nina simply rocks. I wish her, James, the team and all Red Arrow companies the best of success. I will miss them all terribly. Keep the fire burning.”