Munich – Red Arrow has opened a corporate office in New York City. The office is being led by Michael Schmidt, Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of the Group. He is joined by Raimo Reese, Red Arrow’s Senior Vice President Finance U.S. The Group’s investment in the new location reflects the rapidly growing importance of the U.S. market for Red Arrow. At present, Red Arrow has five companies in the territory (Fabrik Entertainment, Kinetic Content, Nerd TV, Left/Right, Half Yard Productions) and is active in both scripted and non-scripted production.

Jan Frouman, CEO of Red Arrow Entertainment Group, said, “Establishing a corporate presence in the U.S. is a logical next step for us. It allows us to further strengthen the link between our European and U.S. companies, and facilitate new partnerships with U.S. creatives. Michael and Raimo are outstanding and proven executives who will give us better market coverage and enjoy life without constant jet-lag – something that makes me quite jealous.”

In addition to his relocation to the U.S., Michael Schmidt has been appointed to the Management Board of the international Format Recognition and Protection Association (FRAPA) as a General Board Member. As an independent, non-profit association, FRAPA’s key mission is to further enhance the possibilities of format protection.

Michael Schmidt, CCO Red Arrow Entertainment Group, said, “Raimo and I are excited to help driving Red Arrow’s growth in the U.S. even further. It’s a privilege to work with such a great group of producers and creators and I am ultimately curious to see where we take our baby in the next years. When FRAPA Co-Chairs Phil Gurin and Jan Salling cautiously asked whether I would be willing to join FRAPA as a board member, I immediately said yes. Our business is changing at a rapid pace and with the legal framework still on shaky grounds, the format industry needs to have a strong voice to be heard. I am proud to have been asked to join the choir and chime in with so many respected and esteemed colleagues.”