Red Arrow Entertainment Group’s Karga Seven Pictures has launched a new production venture in Turkey, expanding its presence in the market. The Los Angeles-based production company behind the hit series “Hunting Hitler” and “Booze Traveler”, as well as the feature films “Takim” and “40”, has opened a permanent production office this month in Istanbul.
Kelly McPherson, founding partner of Karga Seven Pictures, said: “Turkey’s rich culture and history have always appealed to us as storytellers. And the vibrant and fast growing Turkish TV market is a great place to start a new company.”
Karga Seven Turkey will be headed by Tamer Uner as President, Ozer Sata (former CEO of Mindshare Turkey) as CEO, and Todd Cohen (Karga Seven’s former EVP of Development) as Chief Creative Officer. Karga Seven Turkey will produce original content including scripted and factual television series, feature films, documentaries, game shows and branded content for mobile and digital platforms. While being tailored to the local market, the slate will also exploit opportunities for international co-productions. Global distribution of Karga Seven Turkey’s programming will be handled by Red Arrow International.
Emre Sahin, founding partner of Karga Seven Pictures, said: “We have a strong and passionate connection to Turkey. I grew up in Turkey and we’ve produced two feature films there, as well as commercials and several non-fiction shows. And with the country being the second largest producer of television dramas in the world, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to enter the Turkish market.”
Sarah Wetherbee, founding partner of Karga Seven Pictures, added: “From award-winning commercials and feature films to groundbreaking advertising and media campaigns to hit television series, Tamer, Ozer and Todd have a proven track record of success and a creative aesthetic that is highly attractive to audiences and advertisers alike. A true dream team. Coupled with our creative vision and the support and vast reach of Red Arrow Entertainment and Red Arrow International, Karga Seven Turkey is off to a great start.”
Jan Frouman, Chairman & CEO of Red Arrow Entertainment Group, said: “We are thrilled to call such a dynamic and successful company like Karga Seven our partner. Their expansion into Turkey is a perfect example of how Red Arrow is always keen to find new growth markets and opportunities to expand our creative network.’
Henrik Pabst, Managing Director of Red Arrow International, said: “The Turkish TV market is a very interesting environment for us. Red Arrow’s partnership with Karga Seven and their exciting new venture will help us to broaden our international slate of world-class content.”
Karga Seven Turkey will employ a 360° approach to production and development, drawing upon the talents of acclaimed international producers, directors, writers and animators, along with the most creative and innovative production team working in Turkey today.
Karga Seven Pictures is led by Emre Sahin, Sarah Wetherbee, Kelly McPherson and Tracy Bacal. The production company is part of Red Arrow Entertainment Group and repped by CAA.