Barack and Michelle Obama sign deal with Netflix to produce films and series
‘We hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples,’ the former US president said
Get ready to binge-watch with the Obamas. After occupying the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama now plan to carve out a place in homes around the world by producing films and TV shows for Netflix.
The streaming service announced its partnership with the former White House residents in a press release and tweet shared on Monday.
“President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have entered into a multiyear agreement to potentially produce films and series for Netflix, potentially including scripted series, unscripted series, docuseries, documentaries, and features,” the streaming service tweeted.
The former US president said in a statement: “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.”
Michelle Obama added: “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.
“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.”
Reports surfaced in March of a possible deal between Barack Obama and Netflix. The 44th president also appeared in the premiere of David Letterman’s Netflix show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, in January.
The former first lady has a memoir, which she has described as “a deeply personal experience” coming out in November, titled Becoming.
The pair is a giant get for Netflix, which has in recent years established itself as a talent powerhouse and has bagged some of the biggest names in the business for unprecedented deals.
The company has largely built upon its comedy empire, inking contracts with everyone from Jerry Seinfeld and David Letterman to Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle.
Seinfeld’s deal, which brought along his series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, was reported to be worth US$100 million, while Letterman was reportedly paid US$12 million for six episodes of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.
