This year it was announced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s production company, Archewell, had agreed to a lucrative contract with Netflix. As part of the deal, the couple will produce their own docu-series, documentaries, feature films, scripted shows and children’s programming.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex commented that they would be “creating content that informs but also gives hope”. In a statement provided to Variety, they said: “Our lives, both independent of each other, and as a couple have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience, and the need for connection. Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope.
“As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens. We are pleased to work with Ted and the team at Netflix whose unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action,” the statement continued.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-chief executive and chief content officer, boasted about how the streaming service is “incredibly proud” that the couple has selected Netflix as their “creative home”.
“We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere,” he said in a statement.
“Life is about storytelling,” added Markle. “For us to be able to have storytelling through a truthful lens that is hopefully uplifting is going to be great, knowing how many people that can land with and be able to give a voice to a lot of people that are underrepresented and aren’t really heard.”
It is believed that the couple will both stay firmly behind the camera and Meghan, with no plans to return in front of the camera. The production company will be independent of their charitable foundation Archewell. However, the topics will be similar to that the couple tackle with their foundation.
The duke and duchess’ content will be exclusive to Netflix who have signed them up for a multi-year deal. According to The Times, it is undisclosed how much Netflix has agreed to pay the couple. Although, it has been alleged to be above the $100 million mark.
