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Netflix confirms deal with Obamas

President Obama in the White House

Netflix has confirmed a multi-year agreement with former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle to produce series, potentially including scripted projects.

News of the deal first leaked in The New York Times in March and has now been confirmed officially by the global streaming giant.

The agreement potentially includes scripted and unscripted series, documentaries and features, Netflix said in a tweet this afternoon.

The Obamas have established Higher Ground Productions as the entity under which they will produce content for Netflix.

Previous reports said the programming will focus on inspirational stories rather than being used for political purposes or attacking the Trump administration.

President Obama said: “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. 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.”

Michelle Obama added: “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.”

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said: “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.”

The announcement comes as premium cablenet HBO prepares to air feature doc The Final Year, about Obama’s last 12 months in The White House, tonight.

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