Barack and Michelle Obama's film production company reportedly leaving Netflix to go independent
Yahoo • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground, is planning to end its first-look deal with Netflix later this year and transition to operating independently.
- The Obamas intend to continue collaborating with Netflix on existing projects but will not pursue a new exclusive studio agreement after their current deal expires.
- Higher Ground's initial multi-year partnership with Netflix began in 2018, brokered by then-chief content officer Ted Sarandos, and was extended in 2024 after years of successful collaboration.
- Obama confirmed the shift during a History Channel special, stating their future will involve working with multiple studios rather than maintaining a single partnership with Netflix.
- Netflix's Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria praised the Obamas' storytelling ambitions and expressed enthusiasm about their continued collaboration during the current deal period.
