Barack and Michelle Obama to produce films and series with Netflix

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have entered into a multi-year agreement to produce films and series with Netflix, the broadcaster has announced.

The Obamas will produce a mix of content, including the potential for scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries and features. The projects will be available to view worldwide. It comes after The Obamas established Higher Ground Productions, a production company under which the series and films will be made.

“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,” says President Obama. “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 continues: “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 chief content officer Ted Sarandos says the Obamas have “formidable storytelling abilities” 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.”