Search

    Select Website Language

    Michelle and Barack Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, is going independent, ending its eight-year Netflix first-look deal. 

    After launching its Netflix collaboration in 2018 and producing award-winning projects, including the Oscar-winning American Factory, Higher Ground is now shifting toward a multi-platform strategy beyond a single distributor.

    The move signals a broader shift in Hollywood, where creators are stepping away from exclusive streaming deals to retain ownership, reach wider audiences, and adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape. For Higher Ground, independence is a strategic move to scale its cultural influence. 

    Related post: Whoopi Goldberg Launches WhoopInk Publishing Imprint with Blackstone

    Netflix Successes 

    The former President and First Lady founded Higher Ground in 2018 to uplift diverse voices in the entertainment industry. What makes the production company unique is that it has never confined itself to a singular genre. From historical biopics that expand on untold American history to animated children’s shows, it has produced over 24 projects. 

    Notable titles include Rustin, the story of the first openly gay Civil Rights activist and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr, as well as Crip Camp, a documentary celebrating a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities. 

    The production company earned both Emmy and Oscar recognition for American Factory, a documentary that examines globalization and labor through the lens of a Chinese-owned factory in the American Midwest.

    Related post: Issa Rae and TikTok Team Up on Microseries “Screen Time”

    More than Movies 

    Beyond the screen, Higher Ground has also produced hit podcasts. In 2019, they partnered with Spotify to produce exclusive shows, such as The Michelle Obama Podcast. However, in 2022, Higher Ground pivoted and instead committed to a multimillion-dollar deal with Audible, which now hosts its podcasts, including IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson and Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

    Higher Ground’s work can also be found on Broadway. They recently launched a retelling of David Auburn’s Pulitzer and Tony award-winning PROOF. The cast features Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri and Golden Globe winner Don Cheadle. 

    Related post: Oprah, Beyoncé and Michelle Obama make Forbes Most Powerful Women List

    Expanding Horizons 

    As Higher Ground departs from its Netflix-exclusive deal, it now has greater creative control and broader distribution options. The company is reportedly developing projects with HBO, Disney, Apple TV, FX, and Amazon Prime.

    “We’re in a process now of transitioning to a more independent [company] where we can work with a bunch of different studios,” Obama said in an interview with historian Jon Meacham. 

    Currently, Higher Ground is still producing the limited series All The Sinners Bleed and The Altruists with Netflix. But their independent status now allows them greater commercial flexibility and more visibility across multiple platforms. 

    After eight years of producing award-winning projects with the world’s largest streaming platform, the Obamas are entering a chapter defined by ownership and independence. 

    Main Image: Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama 

    The post Obama-Founded Higher Ground Goes Independent, Ends Netflix Deal appeared first on UrbanGeekz.

    Previous Article
    PepsiCo Cuts Chip Prices After Losing Over $1 Billion in Revenue
    Next Article
    Too Late To Apologize: Tucker Carlson Says “Sorry” For Helping Donald Trump Win A Second Term

    Related Tech Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment