Netflix announced today that former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have struck a “storytelling partnership” with the video-on-demand service that will unfold in front of and behind the camera.
Netflix, which carries movies as well as original TV series, has about 125 million members in more than 190 countries.
The agreement with the Obamas is a “multi-year” pact, the company said, “to produce films and series” with the company.
“The Obamas will produce a diverse mix of content, including the potential for scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries and features,” the company said.
The Obamas’ new production company is called Higher Ground Productions. Michelle Obama declared in her 2016 Democratic National Convention speech “when they go low, we go high.”
The company did not reveal how much the deal is worth
“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,” President Obama said in a statement. “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.”
“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,” said Michelle Obama. “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 called the pair “among the world’s most respected and highly-recognized public figures,” and said they 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.”
“We are incredibly proud they have chosen to make Netflix the home for their formidable storytelling abilities,” Sarandos said.
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