All articles tagged with #higher ground
Variety’s Alison Herman finds Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness a period-piece extension of Curb Your Enthusiasm, using historical reenactments and familiar Davidian foibles for sharp, small-scale humor; while the sketches land best when lampooning petty misanthropy, occasional earnest political moments (and a few gags) feel off-brand. The seven-episode HBO series premieres June 26 on HBO/HBO Max.
At SXSW London, Michelle Obama says white men don’t discuss impostor syndrome and urges outsiders at elite tables to own their space, while criticizing helicopter parenting and praising a more independent approach. She also discusses her post-White House work with the IMO podcast, Higher Ground projects, Netflix split, and notes her mother’s influence and Elton John’s tribute at her funeral.
Julianne Moore will star in and executive‑produce an untitled Netflix comedy from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, described as a multi‑generational romantic comedy in the vein of Crazy, Stupid, Love. The story follows a mother who, anxious about her daughter potentially moving away for a promotion, enlists the help of a suitable partner to keep her daughter at home. The ensemble four‑hander will add three more roles, with Maggie Sheridan writing the script.
Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions will go independent after its Netflix first-look deal ends later this year, pursuing projects with HBO, Apple and other studios while continuing to have some Netflix titles in the pipeline; the founders say the move broadens their storytelling reach beyond Netflix after an eight-year partnership that yielded projects ranging from American Factory to Rustin and Our Great National Parks.
Higher Ground, the Obama-founded production company, is ending its eight-year Netflix first-look deal after producing 20+ projects, signaling a shift toward independent work with projects at HBO, Laika, Broadway and beyond. Despite leadership turnover, the split doesn’t rule out future Netflix collaborations, and the catalog includes titles like Leave the World Behind, American Factory and Rustin, with upcoming projects such as All the Sinners Bleed and The Altruists as well as kids’ series like Waffles + Mochi and Ada Twist.
The Obamas say Higher Ground is moving to an independent operation after eight years with Netflix, aiming to work with multiple studios; the move includes expanding projects outside Netflix, with THR noting continued production for other partners.
Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company is moving from an eight-year exclusive Netflix deal to an independent operation, enabling collaborations with multiple studios while Netflix remains a multiyear first-look partner; the move was announced at a Philadelphia event and follows a period of expanding projects beyond Netflix.
Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions will become independent after their current Netflix first-look deal expires later this year, with plans to work with multiple studios while continuing to collaborate with Netflix on existing projects; the company has been testing a sell-to-many approach with outfits like HBO, Apple, Amazon, FX, Disney and more, and remains involved in a slate that includes upcoming Netflix projects as well as non-Netflix ventures, plus Broadway work such as the Proof revival.
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground will co-produce Broadway's revival of Proof, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn, starring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle. The strictly limited 16-week engagement at the Booth Theatre begins March 31, with an April 16 opening; Jin Ha and Samira Wiley also star, marking Higher Ground's Broadway debut. Producers Mike Bosner and Thomas Kail are leading the project, and the Obamas say Proof explores brilliance, doubt, and legacy while expanding Higher Ground's work from film/TV/podcasts into theater.
Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions are making their Broadway producing debut with a revival of David Auburn’s Pulitzer- and Tony-winning Proof, starring Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri and directed by Thomas Kail. The limited 16-week engagement at the Booth Theatre runs from March 31 with opening night April 16, marking the Obamas’ first Broadway producing venture and expanding Higher Ground’s media portfolio into live theatre.
Lulu Wang will direct a live-action adaptation of the novel 'Audition' starring Lucy Liu and Charles Melton, produced by Higher Ground and LAIKA, with the film exploring themes of identity and guilt through a mysterious reunion plot.
Netflix, Amblin Entertainment, and Higher Ground have secured the rights to adapt S.A. Cosby's upcoming novel "King of Ashes" into a TV series after a competitive auction involving up to 12 bids. The book, a family crime drama with elements reminiscent of "The Godfather," will be developed by Amblin and Higher Ground, with Netflix providing backing. The novel is set to be released next summer as part of a three-book deal with Flatiron Books.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama visited CAA in Los Angeles for meetings with her production company Higher Ground, which recently had success with the Netflix film "Leave the World Behind." The Obamas have several upcoming projects, including film adaptations of "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" and "All the Sinners Bleed," as well as the rom-com "Fling."
Former President Barack Obama is facing backlash over a scene in the film "Leave the World Behind," which he consulted on and was produced by his company, Higher Ground. The scene features a Black couple discussing trust during a crisis, with one line stating that trust should not be easily given to anyone, especially white people. Some viewers criticized the scene as demonizing white people and racist, while others praised it for addressing important themes. The film, based on a novel, explores societal tensions and trust issues during a blackout, sparking discussions on race and societal dynamics.
Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground, is releasing three new films on Netflix that explore different genres and themes, signaling a departure from their previous feel-good brand. The films include "Leave the World Behind," a thought-provoking exploration of mistrust and empathy during a crisis, "Rustin," a biopic about gay civil-rights-era activist Bayard Rustin, and "American Symphony," a documentary about musician Jon Batiste and his partner. The Obamas aim to showcase complex storytelling that reflects the tensions in society, emphasizing that their productions don't have to fit the traditional mold of Masterpiece Theatre or PBS.