Watch out for series, films on the Obamas on Netflix
For those who have been wanting to see more of the former US President Barack Obama and his family on main stream media, your prayers appear to have been answered.
This after Obama and former First Lady Michelle entered into a multi-year agreement to produce films and series with Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service.
The former first couple have launched Higher Ground Productions to produce a variety of content for the video streamer, possibly including scripted series, documentaries and features.
The first content is expected to start appearing on Netflix in the year 2019.
The former president and First Lady Michelle are also expected to be on camera as hosts or moderators while in other instances they will work as producers.
The Obamas said Monday that they want to harness “the power of storytelling” to promote common values.
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“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, who served two terms in the White House from 2009, 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.”
The Obamas already have a large social media presence — a combined 150 million followers on Twitter and Instagram — but the deal will see their influence boosted significantly by Netflix’s 125 million subscribers in 190 countries.
“Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly-recognized public figures and 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,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.
The statement didn’t discuss money, but their time in the White House has already begun to reap lucrative dividends for the Obamas, who negotiated book deals last year reportedly worth more than $60 million.