Deal set with long-time ABC Alternative honcho John Saade

Red Arrow Studios and Kinetic Content have announced that John Saade and his new production company Spinnaker Chaos are to be working exclusively with them.

One of the most prominent figures in the U.S. non-scripted landscape, Saade spent over a decade at ABC, overseeing hit formats such as Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor, Shark Tank, Wipeout and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Until 2013, he served as Executive Vice President of Alternative Series & Late-Night Programming at ABC Primetime Entertainment.

Backed by Red Arrow Studios, Spinnaker Chaos will be housed at Kinetic Content, where Saade will work exclusively with Kinetic CEO Chris Coelen, as well as Co-Heads of Development Karrie Wolfe and Katie Griffin, and Executive Producer in charge of programming Eric Detwiler. Saade and the production company will also collaborate closely with Michael Schmidt, Chief Creative Officer of Red Arrow Studios, and its creative team on global format development and international production rollouts. All projects emanating from the venture will be produced by Kinetic Content in association with Spinnaker Chaos, with Red Arrow Studios International handling worldwide format distribution.

This marks a return to production for Saade, who produced the U.S. version of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here for ABC, and prior to that was at Dakota Films where his credits included network specials, comedy series and documentaries.

The new venture will focus on developing broad-based entertainment formats, as well as prestige projects based on history, science and technology, and has already set up multiple projects at both cable and broadcast networks.

Michael Schmidt, Chief Creative Officer of Red Arrow Studios, says: “From the first time I met John, I have been continually impressed and surprised by his passion for and knowledge about television, and his ability to make discussions about the most granular details of a show an enjoyable creative experience. He is a true collaborator, respectful, creative, and has a knowledge and curiosity that spans TV, tech and beyond. John personifies the type of creator Red Arrow always aims to attract and work with, pushing us to be the best possible home for outstanding creatives like him. I am personally and professionally delighted that he is joining us for the ride, to deliver the most engaging shows to our clients and audiences.”

Chris Coelen, CEO of Kinetic Content, adds: “John and I have worked together for a long time, on shows like Wife Swap, Secret Millionaire and The Taste. I respect his experience and long-running track record of success, but even more importantly I admire his honesty, intelligence and collaborative approach. We’re very fortunate that he has decided to set up shop full-time with us now that he’s back from a very well-deserved sabbatical.”

John Saade continues: “Chris is one of my favorite people to work with – creative and calm, with extremely strong business acumen. I’m thrilled to collaborate with him, Katie, Karrie and the rest of the Kinetic Team, along with Michael Schmidt and Red Arrow Studios. Together they’ve created a thriving, exciting environment, and the fit feels perfect.”

Saade brings with him Amy Graves, who was previously Manager of Development at Core Media Group. For Kinetic, this is the second big development move this year, after hiring Paul Lima to serve as VP of Development, reporting to Karrie Wolfe and Katie Griffin.

Kinetic Content, a Red Arrow Studios company, is the prolific producer behind the ground-breaking Married at First Sight, the hugely successful Little Women franchise, relationship transformation show The Spouse House and international break-outs Seven Year Switch and Buying Blind. In line with the Saade deal, Kinetic has projects in the works with three of the four broadcast networks.