The Obamas Sign Multi-Year Deal With Netflix to Produce Films & Series
OK, who *doesn't* have a Netflix deal now?
Netflix is out there gobbling up the universe, making mega-deals with Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, Adam Sandler, and apparently former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Because why not?
Netflix announced the news today, adding that the Obamas would potentially produce scripted series in addition to the more expected documentaries/docuseries:
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have entered into a multi-year agreement to produce films and series for Netflix, potentially including scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries, and features.
— Netflix US (@netflix) May 21, 2018
President Obama shared a statement on the news:
"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 shared her own statement:
"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."
Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos also shared a statement:
"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. We are incredibly proud they have chosen to make Netflix the home for their formidable storytelling abilities."
Wonder if 19-year-old Malia Obama will be involved. Before Harvey Weinstein was officially outed as Harvey Weinstein, she interned at the Weinstein Company. She previously interned on the set of HBO's "Girls," and spent time on the set of Halle Berry's now extinct series "Extant." So this Netflix deal seems more up her alley.
As you might expect, this Netflix news is polarizing people, mostly along political lines.
In semi-related news, HBO will premiere the documentary "The Final Year" tonight (May 21) from 8 to 9:30 p.m., chronicling the final year of Obama's presidency before the transition to Trump.
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