Obamas to make shows with Netflix
Barack and Michelle Obama have created a production company to make films, documentaries and drama series for Netflix.
High Ground Productions will work with the video-on-demand company over several years in the first deal of its kind agreed by a former president.
Netflix said that the projects would focus on social issues that affected the couple during Obama’s eight years in office but would not be directly critical of the present administration. The company has about 125 million subscribers worldwide, a number that has doubled in three years. Just under half are in the US.
The Obamas have more than 113 million Twitter followers between them. Barack Obama said: ‘‘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. That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix – we hope 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.’’
Reports of a deal between the Obamas and Netflix emerged in March but the scope of the agreement is wider than expected. They are expected to appear as hosts or moderators on some shows and in other cases act as off-screen producers.
In his final press conference as president, Obama, 56, said that he wanted to do some writing. It later emerged that he and his wife had signed book deals with Penguin Random House, reputedly for US$60 million (NZ$86m) – a record for a former president. Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, is due for release in November. Details of a book written by Barack Obama, who was an established author before he became president, have not yet emerged.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said: ‘‘Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly recognised 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.’’ – The Times