Munich-based Red Arrow Entertainment Group has acquired a majority stake in US-based production company Orion Entertainment.
Founded in 2000 and based in Denver, Orion has grown to become a leading US producer of non-scripted TV and branded entertainment. The acquisition expands Red Arrow’s US production base into areas including outdoor adventure programming, for which Orion is one of the world’s largest producers.
To date, Orion has produced more than 1,000 hours of TV programming for a variety of major US TV and cable networks including HGTV, Discovery, History, DIY, Travel Channel, ESPN, National Geographic and others.
The acquisition of a majority stake in Orion Entertainment further strengthens Red Arrow’s footprint in the US. In November 2015, the Group acquired a majority stake in the production company Karga Seven Pictures. Other Red Arrow companies in the US include Kinetic Content, Fabrik Entertainment, Left/Right Productions and Half Yard Productions. Additionally, 2015 saw Red Arrow strengthen its global digital presence by launching Ripple Entertainment, a digital media company based in Los Angeles.
Orion Entertainment will continue to be led by founder Chris Dorsey. The company’s formats and programmes will be sold worldwide by Red Arrow International. Further, the company will undergo a name change in 2016 from Orion to Dorsey Pictures LLC.
“Chris and his wife Amy along with minority partner Larry Sletten have built a terrific business and we couldn’t be more pleased about the chance to partner,” said Jan Frouman, CEO of Red Arrow Entertainment Group.
“They are not only uniquely positioned to deliver access to a vibrant target audience, but will also provide us with essential branded entertainment know-how. Through this we enter into a new business area. We are thrilled to call them our partners.”
“Red Arrow provides the perfect strategic partner for Orion and their reputation for focusing on high quality content – no matter the platform – is in perfect alignment with our own company goals and directives. Having a partner like Red Arrow only enhances our ability to continue providing the highest quality programming to our long-time entertainment partners,” added Orion CEO Chris Dorsey.
