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Higher Ground Production Company to Become Independent After Netflix Deal Expires

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Higher Ground to Become Independent Studio After Netflix Deal Ends

Barack Obama announced the company is "in the process now of transitioning to a more independent [future] where we can work with a bunch of different studios."

The production company founded by former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama will transition to an independent operation when its first-look agreement with Netflix concludes later this year. The company plans to develop projects with multiple studios rather than enter into another exclusive partnership.

Announcement and Transition Details

The announcement was made by Barack Obama at a public event in Philadelphia on May 18. He expressed gratitude for the eight-year collaboration with Netflix, citing it as a successful launch for the company.

The first-look deal with Netflix has not yet ended. Upon its expiration, Higher Ground intends to operate independently but will continue collaborating with Netflix on existing projects.

Background of the Netflix Partnership

Higher Ground was launched in 2018 with an exclusive overall deal at Netflix. In 2024, the partnership was extended and transitioned to a multiyear first-look deal.

During the collaboration, Higher Ground produced 24 projects for Netflix across film, television, documentary, unscripted, sports, and family programming. Notable projects include:

  • The Oscar-winning documentary American Factory.
  • The Oscar-nominated films Rustin, American Symphony, and Crip Camp.
  • The series Bodkin.
  • The film Leave the World Behind.

Future Projects and Development

In preparation for independence, Higher Ground has already begun developing projects with various studios outside of Netflix. These include:

  • An HBO sketch comedy series, Life Larry.
  • The Pursuit of Unhappiness, a project from creators Larry David and Jeff Schaffer.
  • Projects in development with Apple, Amazon, FX, Disney, and 20th Century Studios.

Upcoming projects still slated for Netflix include the limited series All The Sinners Bleed and The Altruists, as well as Season 2 of the docuseries The Later Daters.

Company Scope and Representation

Higher Ground's work extends beyond film and television. The company also operates an audio division that produces podcasts and is co-producing a Broadway revival of the play Proof. The company is represented by the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and the law firm Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

Note: Representatives for Higher Ground and Netflix were not immediately available for comment in response to media inquiries.