Barack Obama and Michelle Obama sign deal with Netflix to make movies and shows

NETFLIX has struck a ground-breaking deal with President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama to produce hit shows.

The couple will work on scripted and unscripted series as well as docu-series, documentary films, and multi-million pound feature productions.

The couple has created 'Higher Ground Productions,' a company to produce content for Netflix, the streaming service announced.

The former president has reportedly told associates he does not intend to use the new platform to wage a public campaign against his successor in the Oval Office.

“One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience,” said President Obama.

“That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix – we hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”

His high-profile wife hopes the work they produce together over the next few years will help change peoples' views on the world.

“Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others,” she said.

“Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership.”

Rumours the couple may be teaming up with Netflix first surfaced in March, but the details of the deal were only confirmed today.

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“Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly-recognised public figures and are uniquely positioned to discover and highlight stories of people who make a difference in their communities and strive to change the world for the better,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos.

“We are incredibly proud they have chosen to make Netflix the home for their formidable storytelling abilities.”

Netflix did not disclose any financial details of the arrangement, though similar deals between streaming services and high-profile celebrities have been worth many tens of millions of dollars over several years.

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