Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are getting into the movie and television business after signing an agreement with Netflix to produce entertainment content, the streaming giant announced Monday.
“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 said in a statement.
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 (@netflix) May 21, 2018
President Obama described the deal as an opportunity to promote “empathy and understanding between peoples.”
“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,” Obama said in a statement to the media. “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.”
The couple’s projects will be produced through their newly-formed company, Higher Ground Productions.
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The former first lady called the Netflix partnership a “natural fit.”
“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,” she said in a statement. “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.”
In January, President Obama appeared on the Netflix talk show, “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.”
The financial details of the Obamas’ agreement were not disclosed.
Netflix’s recent deal with Emmy Award-winning producer Ryan Murphy has been reported to be in the $300-million range.
Last year, the streaming giant also inked a lucrative production agreement with Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes.
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