Barack and Michelle Obama Set Expansive Film and TV Slate at Netflix
Barack and Michelle Obama’s Netflix-based production company Higher Ground has set an expansive first slate of projects. Included in the initial slate of seven projects are three features and four TV series, including one for preschoolers.
“We created Higher Ground to harness the power of storytelling. That’s why we couldn’t be more excited about these projects,” President Obama said. “Touching on issues of race and class, democracy and civil rights, and much more, we believe each of these productions won’t just entertain, but will educate, connect and inspire us all.”
The Obamas officially signed a multiyear producing deal with Netflix last May. Under the pact, the duo’s Higher Ground will produce scripted, unscripted and documentary TV series and movies exclusively for the streamer. The Obamas have already optioned Michael Lewis’ book The Fifth Risk to develop as a potential series. Earlier this year, Higher Ground tapped former Chernin film exec Tonia Davis to lead the company alongside Priya Swaminathan, while Qadriyyah “Q” Shamsid-Deen boarded as a creative exec.
More: Barack and Michelle Obama Set Expansive Film and TV Slate at Netflix