Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have signed a deal to produce films and series for Netflix, apparently denying Apple the opportunity.
The deal was announced in a Tweet by Netflix. At present, it's not clear what exactly the pair will produce.
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have entered into a multi-year agreement to produce films and series for Netflix, potentially including scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries, and features.
-- Netflix US (@netflix) May 21, 2018
The former president has expressed concerns about supposed manipulation of the media by some news outlets, and has spoken publicly about the dissemination of false information through social networking platforms. A previous report claims that the proposed shows are not expected to be a direct rebuttal to political opponents.
Rumors suggest that Obama will moderate discussions on hot button topics like health care, voting rights, immigration, foreign policy and climate change. Other possibilities are said to be features in which the former first lady talks about issues like healthy nutrition, a cause for which she advocated during her time in the White House.
The Obamas have close ties with Netflix executives. Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, is married to Nicole A. Avant, who served as Obama's ambassador to the Bahamas from 2009 to 2011. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings was close to Obama during his presidency and sometimes attended state dinners, the report said.
Apple was said to be waiting in the wings, had the then-rumored Netflix deal fall through.
Apple is late to the game, launching its first efforts -- Planet of the Apps and Carpool Karaoke -- on Apple Music last in 2017. The tech giant has since expanded its original video operation with a slew of new hires and reported investments in multiple content offerings including serial comedies, documentaries, dramas and more.