Make TV shows? Yes we can! The Obamas sign up with Netf lix
THEY’VE always been comfortable performers in front of the camera – now they’ll be behind it.
Barack and Michelle Obama have signed a production deal with Netflix to make TV series, films and documentaries.
The former US president and his wife have set up a production company, Higher Ground Productions, as part of their first steps to becoming media moguls.
Mr Obama has been urged to use his voice to directly respond to Donald Trump, but reportedly intends to use the streaming service as a platform to highlight inspirational stories. One idea could see the 56-year-old – whose campaign slogan was Yes We Can – referee discussions on issues that still polarise US politics such as health care, immigration and climate change.
He could even draw inspiration from hit US shows The Wire and Breaking Bad, which he has consistently rated for their socio-political commentaries.
It is unclear how much their deal with Netflix is worth. Mr Obama said he hoped the couple could use their status to help ‘fascinating people’ share their stories.
‘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,’ he said.
His wife may make programmes on topics that she has continually championed such as nutrition.
She 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 partnership with Netflix will give the couple access to the network’s audience of 125million members across 190 countries. At the same time it represents a huge coup for Netflix in its battle with rivals Apple and Amazon.
Ted Sarandos, of Netflix, described the Obamas as ‘among the world’s most respected and highly-recognised public figures’. Mr Obama made his Netflix debut on the David Letterman show My Next Guest Needs no Introduction.
The Obamas have maintained a low profile since leaving office in 2017 and are rarely seen in public in Washington, where they still live. They are both writing highly anticipated memoirs, for which they were reportedly paid more than £45million.
‘Open our hearts to others’