Netflix has announced yet another big deal after it confirmed that former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will be joining the online streaming service as producers. The couple is expected to produce films and series for the platform. The New York Times had reported in March this year that the Obamas had been in advanced negotiations with Netflix about a possible deal. According to the New York Times report, the goal of the Obamas was not to use the Netflix platform to criticize the Trump administration or to broadcast political views. They simply wanted to broadcast inspiration stories that would touch the hearts of people.
Well, it seems the deal has finally been struck and soon enough we will have the opportunity to enjoy new shows and movies from the former first family. The announcement about the deal was made by Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. Sarandos was quick to praise the Obamas saying that the two were uniquely placed to discover and highlight the stories of people around the world who have a positive influence in their communities and want to make the world a better place through their actions. The statement also confirmed that Barack and Michelle Obama had formed a company called Higher Ground Productions that will be used to develop the Netflix content.
The financial details about the deal are still unknown. But Netflix has always paid top dollar for the right content. The company said this month that at least 85% of its total spending will go towards content creation. Bringing in the Obamas as show producers is a big win not just for the streaming service but also for the overall digital media industry. Netflix also struck a deal with Shonda Rhimes, an A-list producer who’s renowned for network hit shows like Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Grey’s Anatomy.
The online streaming service said that the Obamas will produce scripted and non-scripted shows, documentaries, and features. As soon as the news about the deal became public, the Obamas released a statement saying that they were truly excited about the opportunity. The former President and first lady said that one of the best things about their time in the White House was meeting fascinating people from all walks of life. The couple wants to use the Netflix platform to help these people share their experiences with a wider audience.
The former first family has kept a low profile since leaving the White House last year. However, Barack Obama appeared recently as the first guest of the new David Letterman’s Netflix show titled “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.” The Obamas are also expected to release memoirs this year. Michelle’s memoir titles “Becoming” is expected to come out in November and there are quite a lot of people looking forward to it. Nonetheless, there will be more and more people looking forward to the first original show produced by the two on Netflix. It will definitely be interesting to see how they will navigate through the demanding show business.
