Obamas expand Netflix partnership

The Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground, is bolstering its partnership with Netflix, inking a multi-year, first-look deal with the media giant for its film and TV projects.

“From the beginning, Netflix has championed our projects, helping them flourish and reach millions across the world,” said Vinnie Malhotra, president of Higher Ground, in a Friday statement to ITK.

“We’re thrilled to build on our stellar creative partnership and to deliver more ambitious films and series. From gripping thrillers to heartfelt comedies and profound documentaries, we have so much that we look forward to sharing,” Malhotra said.

The news of Higher Ground and Netflix extending their creative partnership was first reported by Deadline.

Higher Ground, which was launched by former President Obama and Michelle Obama in 2018, teamed up with Netflix that same year. The original, multi-year agreement tapped the Obamas’ company to produce films and series for the streamer.

“Leave the World Behind,” a thriller executive produced by the Obamas, was the most-watched film on Netflix in the second half of 2023, according to the media company. 

“If there’s one thing that’s defined President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s creative ambitions since we started our partnership with Higher Ground, it is their pursuit of an exceptional story that brings the human experience to light,” Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement announcing the expanded collaboration.

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Higher Ground as they continue to develop and produce more ambitious, compelling and entertaining stories,” Bajaria said.

Some of the forthcoming projects that Higher Ground has on tap include a film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom,” by David Blight, poised to be directed by Regina King, and “Fling,” a romantic comedy starring Lupita Nyong’o.

Michelle Obama is said to be “working closely” alongside Nyong’o on the project.