Netflix has officially announced a huge production deal with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
Via Twitter, the streaming service stated it has “entered into a multi-year agreement to produce films and series for Netflix, potentially including scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries, and features.”
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have entered into a multi-year agreement to produce films and series for Netflix, potentially including scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries, and features.
— Netflix US (@netflix) May 21, 2018
We reported as recently as March that the Obamas were in “advanced negotiations” with Netflix for a production deal that would create content to inspire and uplift. According to the press release Netflix has issued, the Obamas will produce said content under their own production banner, Higher Ground Productions.
President Obama said he and the first lady are hoping “to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”
“One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience,” he said.
“Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others,” the first lady said. “Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership.”
Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said the streaming service is “incredibly proud” the Obamas have chosen the platform as “the home for their formidable storytelling capabilities.”
“Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly-recognized public figures and are uniquely positioned to discover and highlight stories of people who make a difference in their communities and strive to change the world for the better,” he said.
