Red Arrow, Coelen start scripted JV

Red Arrow Studios and Kinetic Content founder and CEO Chris Coelen are launching a joint venture scripted production label, hiring a partner and literary agent from WME to run it.

Melissa Myers

Melissa Myers has been named president and partner of the unnamed JV, which will develop and produce scripted entertainment internationally.

The JV will focus on high-end English-language scripted TV series with both US domestic and global appeal, and plans to harness creativity and strategic alliances from across the world.

Myers spent two decades at the TV arm of agency WME, spearheading the international scripted department by building a roster of writers, directors and talent.

Myers’ clients at WME included British production outfits Left Bank Pictures (The Crown, Outlander, Strike Back), Big Talk Productions (Crashing, Friday Night Dinner), Riff Raff Productions (Jude Law), Red Productions (Years & Years, Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax) and World Productions (The Bodyguard, Line of Duty).

Coelen and Red Arrow-owned Kinetic Content currently create and produce international series including Love is Blind for Netflix and Married at First Sight for Lifetime.

Myers said: “I am excited to be joining the Kinetic and Red Arrow Studios family, where I look forward to capitalising on my expertise by leading their push into scripted entertainment. I have long admired Chris and his strategic approach to building his business creating and selling shows.

“As fellow former agents in the international business, we are in lockstep in how we view the ever- changing scripted and global marketplace and where we look for growth and opportunity. I look forward to partnering with Chris and Red Arrow in building this exciting new company into a creative force, as well as building up all our frequent-flyer miles when we are able to travel again.”

Coelen added: “With the backing and global reach of Red Arrow Studios and Kinetic, Melissa’s skill in sourcing outstanding material and her international standing as an artist-friendly leader will help create a collaborative environment where we’ll work with incredible storytellers from every corner of the planet to bring their amazingly diverse and fascinating points of view to the widest possible audience.”