News

Former President Barack Obama opened Netflix’s livestream event for his new docuseries, “Working: What We Do All Day,” on Thursday with a more aggressive statement of support for the Writers Guild of America (WGA) than what he initially said in solidarity with the ongoing writers strike.

Before the panel, which aired on LinkedIn at 5 p.m. Et/2 p.m. Pt, got underway, moderator Ira Glass revealed Obama had prepared remarks he wanted to deliver about the WGA’s work stoppage, which is currently in its fourth week.

“Part of what this show ‘Working’ is about is how certain things are constant about the work experience. People trying to find work that’s satisfying, people trying to pay the bills,” Obama said. “Unfortunately one of the things that’s also been constant is the struggle for people to make sure their employers are treating them fairly and they’re getting...

Former President Barack Obama narrates and is featured in “Working: What We Do All Day,” a new docuseries from Higher Ground Productions coming to Netflix.

In the four-part series, Obama visits everyday people in their homes and places of work as part of exploring questions like, What brings you joy in work — and what gives you purpose? The series follows individuals at all levels of the workforce, from service jobs all the way up to the C-suite, in home care, tech and hospitality industries.

“Working: What We Do All Day” premieres May 17 on Netflix globally. Obama posted the trailer for the show on social media (watch below).

“We may not think about it, but we’re all a part of something larger than any single one of us. And our work is one of the forces that connects us,” Obama said in a statement. “When we make sure that everyone feels their work is respected,...

Netflix executive Lisa Nishimura backed some of the streamer’s biggest successes – Tiger King, The Tinder Swindler, The Power of the Dog, Making a Murderer, and American Factory – but in an era of corporate cost-cutting, it wasn’t enough to save her job.

Related Story Netflix Vets Lisa Nishimura & Ian Bricke Depart In Film Group Reorg Related Story Omar Epps Boards Netflix's Limited Series 'The Perfect Couple' Related Story IFC Center's John Vanco Joins Netflix To Oversee Programming For Streamer's Theaters

Her imminent departure as VP of independent film and documentary features, after a 16-year stint at Netflix, has come as a particular shock to the nonfiction film community, which saw her build Netflix into a dominant force in documentary and become, in the process, one of Netflix’s most visible execs.

(L-r) Lisa Nishimura, Taylor Swift and Ted Sarandos attend the Netflix 2019 Golden Globes After Party

“Lisa...

"The Upshaws" co-creator Regina Hicks just inked a multi-year overall deal with Netflix and her first new project involves a collaboration with former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. As you've probably noticed, outside of their political careers, the Obama's dabble in production. Their partnership with Netflix has been through their production company, Higher Ground Productions, co-run by Priya Swaminathan, Tonia Davis, Ada Chiaghana, and Alex Pitz. Their previous work has included "Becoming," the documentary based on Michelle Obama's life, the festival darling "Crip Camp," and the Academy-Award winning "American Factory."

Earlier this year, they announced plans for a new...

The post The Obamas Set a New Scripted Comedy for Netflix with Regina Hicks appeared first on /Film.

Netflix has handed Chris Nee’s animated preschool programs Ridley Jones and Ada Twist, Scientist Season 2 renewals.

Created and executive produced by Nee, Ridley Jones will return for Season 2 in November 2021. Ridley and her friends, Peaches, Fred, Ismat, Dudley and Dante will continue their nightly adventures when the lights go out, the doors lock shut, and all the exhibits come to life at The Museum of Natural History.

Ada Twist, Scientist developed by Nee and showrun and executive produced by Kerri Grant, will return in 2022. The series follows a pint-sized scientist with a giant-sized curiosity, who aspires to discover the answer to absolutely everything. Ada, along with her best friends Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere will be back to explore more ways science is a part of everyday life. Additional executive producers are Wonder Worldwide’s Mark Burton, Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan, author Andrew Beat and illustrator David Roberts.

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground Productions has expanded its executive team. Priya Swaminathan, the co-head of film and TV at the company, will step down from her role later this summer as part of the change.

Swaminathan was Higher Ground’s first hire, and she oversaw the company’s Oscar-winning “American Factory” and the Oscar-nominated “Crip Camp.” Tonia Davis will now serve as the sole head of film and TV.

Among the company’s new hires are Joe Paulson as head of business and strategy. He was formerly special assistant to the President at the White House and was deputy chief of staff to the former president, having worked with the Obamas since the earliest days of the campaign in 2007 and overseen the creation of Higher Ground.

The company also hired Dan Fierman as head of audio, creative director Anna Holmes and Mark R. Wright...

Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s media company, has made several new additions to its executive team.

Joe Paulsen has been named Head of Business and Strategy. Dan Fierman will lead the company’s podcast projects as Head of Audio and will be joined by Creative Director, Anna Holmes. The two oversaw the launch of The Michelle Obama Podcast, which became the most listened to Spotify Original to date, as well as Renegades: Born in the USA, and the recently released Tell Them, I Am. Mark R. Wright joins the team as Vice President of Film and Television. He will concentrate on scripted feature films and will report to Head of Film and Television, Tonia Davis.

Priya Swaminathan is stepping down from her role as Co-Head of Film and Television later this summer.

“We are so grateful to Priya for her tremendous impact at Higher Ground these past few years,...

Priya Swaminathan is stepping down from her role as co-head of film and television at Higher Ground, the media company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

At the same time, the former president and First Lady announced several new additions to the company’s executive team, most notably hiring Joe Paulsen, an old Obama hand, as head of business and strategy.

Swaminathan, a former executive at Annapurna, was the first hire the Obamas made when they launched Higher Ground. She has helped grow the company since joining it in 2019, overseeing the rollout of the Oscar-winning documentary “American Factory” and the Oscar-nominated “Crip Camp.” The decision to leave the company was Swaminathan’s own and she remains a favorite of the Obamas, as evidenced by a glowing statement they released.

“We are so grateful to Priya for her tremendous impact at Higher Ground these past few years,” the Obamas said in a statement.

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Oscar-winning label Higher Ground has made additions to its executive team with key appointments across business development and audio along with film and television, in addition to one prominent exit.

Higher Ground’s first hire, co-head of film and television Priya Swaminathan, will step down from her role at the company later this summer following a tenure that has included the Oscar-winning American Factory and Oscar-nominated Crip Camp. Tonia Davis will now serve as the sole head of film and television.

“We are so grateful to Priya for her tremendous impact at Higher Ground these past few years,”...

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Oscar-winning label Higher Ground has made additions to its executive team with key appointments across business development and audio along with film and television, in addition to one prominent exit.

Higher Ground’s first hire, co-head of film and television Priya Swaminathan, will step down from her role at the company later this summer following a tenure that has included the Oscar-winning American Factory and Oscar-nominated Crip Camp. Tonia Davis will now serve as the sole head of film and television.

“We are so grateful to Priya for her tremendous impact at Higher Ground these past few years,”...

Barack and Michelle Obama, and Kenya Barris have executive produced a Netflix series combining music and animation. “We the People,” created by Chris Nee, consists of 10, three-minute-long episodes that feature music performed by H.E.R., Brandi Carlile and Andra Day, among others. The show premieres on the streamer on July 4.

Per the logline, “We the People” covers a range of basic U.S. civics lessons in not-so-basic ways, set to original songs performed by artists such as Janelle Monáe, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Kyle and inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, with a groundbreaking mix of animated styles. Each episode of the series promises to be a vibrant call to action for everyone to rethink civics as a living and breathing thing, and to reframe their understanding of what government and citizenship mean in a modern world. Other musicians featured in the series include Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez,...

Doc McStuffins creator Chris Nee has reunited with President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions for the Netflix animated series We the People.

Nee’s 10-episode series, also executive produced by Kenya Barris through his Khalabo Ink Society banner, combines music and animation to educate a new generation of young Americans about the power of the people. With three-minute installments, We the People is a series of animated music videos that covers a range of basic U.S. civics lessons in not-so-basic ways.

The series features original songs performed by artists including H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Kyle, Andra Day and poet Amanda Gorman. Each episode, which utilizes a mix of animated styles, is a call to action to rethink civics as a living, breathing thing and reframe the understanding of what government and citizenship mean in a modern world.

Chris Nee, the award-winning creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, is reteaming with Barack and Michelle Obama on We the People, a series of animated music videos that contain lessons in U.S. civics, slated to drop July 4 on Netflix. Creator Nee and the Obamas are exec producing along with Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris.

We the People combines a mix of animation styles with original songs performed by artists including Lin-Manuel Miranda, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, Brandi Carlile, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Kyle, Andra Day and poet Amanda Gorman.

The series’ 10, three-minute episodes are helmed by a ...

Chris Nee, the award-winning creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, is reteaming with Barack and Michelle Obama on We The People, a series of animated music videos that contain lessons in U.S. civics, slated to drop July 4 on Netflix. Creator Nee and the Obamas are exec producing along with Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris.

We the People combines a mix of animation styles with original songs performed by artists including Lin-Manuel Miranda, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, Brandi Carlile, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Kyle, Andra Day and poet Amanda Gorman.

The series’ 10, three-minute episodes are helmed by a ...

Following the critical acclaim of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, George C. Wolfe and Netflix are reteaming as Wolfe has come on to direct Rustin for Netflix and President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions. Milk scribe Dustin Lance Black will pen the script. The story follows tells the story of charismatic, gay, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who overcame an onslaughts of obstacles, and altered the course of American history by organizing the 1963 march on Washington.

Higher Ground Productions’ Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis will produce along with Academy Award winner Bruce Cohen and Black. Higher Ground Productions recently released their upcoming slate of films and series in partnership with Netflix which include Exit West, Satellite, Tenzing and The Young Wife. Current documentary films on Netflix include Academy Award Winner American Factory, Emmy Award nominee Becoming, and Crip Camp, which was just named to the Oscars Documentary Shortlist.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” director George C. Wolfe has set his return engagement with Netflix, directing “Rustin” for the streamer, and President Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.

The film tells the story of gay, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who organized the 1963 March on Washington. President Obama posthumously awarded Rustin, an advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr. and participant in the first “Freedom Rides,” with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

Dustin Lance Black, who won the Academy Award for best original screenplay for 2008’s “Milk,” will write the film and serve as a producer.

Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis will produce for Higher Ground Productions, alongside Academy Award winner Bruce Cohen (“American Beauty”).

The Obamas’ production company, founded in 2018, recently released their upcoming slate of fiction, non-fiction, and kids & family films and series in partnership with Netflix, which include “Exit West,” “Satellite,” “Tenzing” and “The Young Wife.

Netflix is at work on a biopic of Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights icon who helped organize the 1963 March on Washington. The film will be directed by “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” director George C. Wolfe.

Dustin Lance Black, an Oscar winner for another biopic about a gay rights legend, “Milk,” is writing the screenplay for “Rustin.” Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions will produce the film.

Rustin, because of his sexuality, often worked behind the scenes during the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with A. Philip Randolph, organizing Freedom Rides and fighting to integrate workers unions. Later in his life, he would emerge as a vocal advocate for gay rights and testify on behalf of the state of New York’s Gay Rights bill. The film “Rustin” will show his onslaught of obstacles and how he worked to alter the course of history before his death...

Gay activist Bayard Rustin organised 1963 march on Washington.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom director George C. Wolfe is reuniting with Netflix on a feature about Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin for the Obamas’ Higher Ground label.

Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis from former president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions will produce with Bruce Cohen and Dustin Lance Black (Milk).

Rustin tells the story of charismatic, gay, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who battled discrimination in his life and organised Freedom Rides as well as the 1963 march on Washington for labour leader A. Philip Randolph.

While in office,...

George C. Wolfe, Dustin Lance Black, and former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground banner are coming together for a biopic of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.

Wolfe will direct Rustin from a script by Dustin Lance Black for Higher Ground and Netflix.

According to the logline, Rustin will “tell the story of the charismatic gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who overcame an onslaught of obstacles, and altered the course of American history by organizing the 1963 march on Washington.”

Along with Bruce Cohen (American Beauty) and Black, Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis will produce for Higher Ground Productions,...

George C. Wolfe, Dustin Lance Black, and former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground banner are coming together for a biopic of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.

Wolfe will direct Rustin from a script by Dustin Lance Black for Higher Ground and Netflix.

According to the logline, Rustin’s will “tell the story of the charismatic, gay, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who overcame an onslaught of obstacles, and altered the course of American history by organizing the 1963 march on Washington.”

Along with Bruce Cohen (American Beauty) and Black, Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis will produce for Higher ...

Michelle Obama befriends two aspiring puppet chefs in Waffles + Mochi, out March 16th on Netflix.

The former First Lady stars as a supermarket owner who hires Waffles and Mochi, two puppets who dream of being chefs. Obama helps the duo embark on a global adventure, using a flying shopping cart as their guide. They visit restaurants, kitchens, and farms around the world — riding in gondolas in Italy and llamas in Peru.

The series features appearances by Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo, as well as Jack Black, Zach Galifianakis, Common, Rashida Jones,...

Given the subject matter of Jen Peedom’s first narrative feature, it is somewhat fitting the project has been included in Higher Ground’s production slate.

The production company, owned by Barack and Michelle Obama, will partner with the filmmaker and Netflix on Tenzing – a feature film based on the true story of Tenzing Norgay, the man who first reached the summit of Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary.

Luke Davies (Lion) wrote the script based on the book Tenzing: Hero of Everest by Ed Douglas.

Peedom, who operates Stranger Than Fiction Films alongside Jo-anne McGowan, will produce with Davies alongside Higher Ground Productions. David Michôd (The King) and Norbu Tenzing Norgay, who is Tenzing Norgay’s eldest son, will executive produce.

The director, whose previous credits include documentaries Sherpa and Mountain, has known Tenzing’s family since 2003, and has been working on working on the feature about his life since 2016.

Jen Peedom.

Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions has unveiled its next round of projects in development at Netflix.

Among the new film and series projects in the works are an adaptation of the Mohsin Hamid novel “Exit West” starring Riz Ahmed, a science fiction film written by Ola Shokunbi, a docuseries about National Parks and a series adaptation of the forthcoming novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter.”

“We created Higher Ground to tell great stories,” the former president and first lady said in a statement. “This group of projects builds upon that goal and the incredible path forged by films like Crip Camp, Becoming, and the Oscar-winning American Factory. From science fiction to the beauty of our natural world to the relationships that define us, Higher Ground continues to strive for fresh perspectives, compelling characters, and a healthy dose of inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud to team up with...

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground Productions, has set a slate of new projects under their deal with Netflix.

The new slate encompasses both TV and film projects, including a film adaptation of Mohsin Hamid’s critically-acclaimed novel “Exit West” and a biopic on Tenzing Norgay, who was the first person to reach the peak of Mount Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary. The company is also prepping a U.S. National Parks docuseries and a series adaptation of the Angeline Boulley book “Firekeeper’s Daughter.”

The full description of all the projects can be found below. They are currently in different stages of development, to be released over the next several years.

“We created Higher Ground to tell great stories,” the Obamas said. “This group of projects builds upon that goal and the incredible path forged by films like ‘Crip Camp,’ ‘Becoming,’ and the Oscar-winning ‘American Factory.

Pipeline includes Satellite, The Young Wife.

Australian high-altitude director Jennifer Peedom’s Everest feature Tenzing has landed at Netflix under the streamer’s deal with former president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions (Hgp).

The feature is one of several film and TV projects announced on the Higher Ground slate on Friday (February 5) that includes Oscar contender Riz Ahmed (Sound Of Metal) in the thriller Exit West, and a sci-fi from Rian Johnson (Knives Out) and his producer Ram Bergman.

Tenzing is based on the true story of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who accompanied Edmund Hillary on...

Can a summer camp change the world? If you’re talking Camp Jened in upstate New York, a place that welcomed kids with disabilities for a generation, the answer is yes.

“It was a utopia,” camper Denise Sherer Jacobson recalls in Crip Camp, the Netflix documentary about Jened and how it helped spur the movement for disability rights. “When we were there, there was no outside world.”

For their film, directors Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht drew from remarkable footage shot at Jened in 1971 that illustrated just how groundbreaking the camp was. There, kids with disabilities were treated as people, not as broken objects without hope or purpose. Campers laughed, played, kindled romances and got to be themselves in an atmosphere of acceptance.

“What we tried to do was provide the kind of environment where teenagers could be teenagers,” camp director Larry Allison states in the film, “without all the stereotypes and the labels.

Adam Conover of truTV’s “Adam Ruins Everything,” and Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company, are teaming up for a new informational series at Netflix, the streamer announced Thursday.

Titled “The G Word With Adam Conover,” the series is described as a blend of sketch comedy and documentary elements. It is loosely based on the book “The Fifth Risk” by Michael Lewis, and will explore the profound power and complexity of the U.S. government, introduce viewers to the heroic civil servants who make it work, and take an incisive satirical look at its shortcomings.

Conover will serve as host and executive producer of the series.

Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan of Higher Ground Productions, and Jon Cohen and Jon Wolf of Conover’s Fair Point will also executive produce.

The project is the latest to arise from Higher Ground’s deal with Netflix, which has spawned a range of scripted,...

Adam Conover, creator and host of truTV’s Adam Ruins Everything, has teamed with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions to pull back the curtain on government in a new sketch comedy series for Netflix.

The streamer has ordered The G Word with Adam Conover, which will go inside the machine of government and introduce viewers to the civil servants who make it work. It will ask whether government is a dirty word or a trusted institution.

The comedy series, which will be mixed with documentary elements, will start production in early 2021.

The series is loosely inspired by Michael Lewis’ best-selling book The Fifth Risk, the rights to which the Obamas acquired back in 2018 as one of their first after setting up Higher Ground and their Netflix production deal.

The G Word was created by Fair Point, run by Conover, Jon Cohen and Jon Wolf. In addition to Adam Ruins Everything,...

“Adam Ruins Everything” star Adam Conover and the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions are teaming up for a Netflix comedy series that explores the world of government.

“The G Word with Adam Conover” is described as a blend of sketch comedy and documentary that takes viewers inside the complex machinery of the U.S. government. Conover will introduce the civil servants who make it work, and take a satirical look at its shortcomings. The series is loosely inspired by Michael Lewis’ best-selling book “The Fifth Risk.”

The series was created by Conover, Jon Cohen, and Jon Wolf under their Fair Point production banner. All three will also serve as executive producers along with Higher Ground co-heads Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan.

Conover is best known as the star, writer, and creator of the truTV series “Adam Ruins Everything,” in which he aimed to dispel misconceptions in people’s everyday lives on subjects such as voting,...

Animated preschool series “Ada Twist, Scientist,” based on the book series from author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts, is coming to Netflix. The series comes from Chris Nee and Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company.

The show centers on eight-year-old Ada Twist, a “young Black scientist who will explore helping people through scientific discovery, collaboration and friendship,” and solve mysteries with the help of her two best friends, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck. Netflix will debut the kids program worldwide starting in 2021.

Kerri Grant is set to serve as showrunner, co-executive producer and story editor for the 40 12-minute episodes. Wonder Worldwide is a producing partner for the series.

“Ada Twist, Scientist” marks the first series to be announced under the overall deal between Netflix and “Doc McStuffins” and “Vampirina” creator Chris Nee and her production company Laughing Wild. The Peabody, Emmy, and Humanitas Prize-winning...

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground Productions is getting into the kids’ TV business with an animated preschool series from Doc McStuffins creator Chris Nee and Netflix.

The streamer has ordered 40, 12-minute episodes of Ada Twist, Scientist, which is based on the book series by author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts.

The series, which will launch in 2021, follows Ada Twist, a young Black scientist who will explore helping people through scientific discovery, collaboration and friendship.

Kerri Grant, a writer on Mira, Royal Detective and Nella the Princess Knight, will serve as showrunner. Wonder Worldwide, the company behind Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles, also is a producing partner on the project, which is the first series under Netflix’s overall deal with Nee and her production company Laughing Wild.

Eight-year old Ada Twist is a pint-size scientist with a giant-size curiosity who aspires to discover the truth about absolutely everything.

Netflix has lined up a new animated children’s series from “Doc McStuffins” creator Chris Nee and Barack and Michelle Obama, the streamer announced Thursday.

The series, titled “Ada Twist, Scientist” centers on a young Black scientist who will explore helping people through scientific discovery, collaboration and friendship. The series, based on the book series by author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts, is set to debut with 40 12-minute episodes next year.

“Doc McStuffings” and “Elena of Avalor” alum Kerri Grant serves as showrunner on the series.

Here’s the full series description:

Ada Twist, Scientist follows the adventures of eight-year-old Ada Twist, a pint-sized scientist with a giant-sized curiosity, who aspires to discover the truth about absolutely everything. With the help of her two best friends, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck, Ada unravels and solves mysteries for her friends and family. But solving the mystery is only the beginning,...

Nominations have been unveiled for the 48th edition of the Grierson Awards, the UK’s top documentary awards.

A total of 52 films are nominated across 14 categories. Of those, 21 were broadcast on BBC channel, while Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece whilst nominations newcomer YouTube Originals joins Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery with one each.

Tiger King is up for Best Entertaining Documentary alongside fellow Netflix title Love is Blind. Netflix’s Don’t F**k With Cats and The Devil Next Door are also both up for Best Documentary series.

The Best Cinema Documentary nominees are American Factory, which won the Oscar this year, alongside the Oscar nominated Honeyland and For Sama, with Midnight Family completing the field.

Full list of nominations:

Best Single Documentary – Domestic

The Family Secret

Anna Hall, Sally Ogden, Luke Rothery & Brian Woods for Candour Productions...

Nominations for the 48th annual British Documentary Awards, known as the Griersons, include episode two of Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning “For Sama,” and a best presenter nod for David Olusoga for “The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files.”

The awards are given by The Grierson Trust. Of the 52 nominated films, 21 were broadcast on BBC channels. Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece while YouTube Originals, Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery have one each.

Lorraine Heggessey, chair of The Grierson Trust, said: “This has been a difficult year for the production community and particularly for freelancers, so it’s more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the excellence of so many talented filmmakers, whether they are newcomers or established global names. These nominations demonstrate the relevance and versatility of documentaries,...

Beastie Boys Story, released by AppleTV+ in April and nominated for five Emmys, tells the story of the band that was formed in 1978 by Adam Yauch, Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz.

The film, directed by long-time collaborator Spike Jonze, was not your usual rock doc. It was told via a live show put on by Diamond and Horovitz (Yauch passed away in 2012) following the release of their memoir Beastie Boys Book.

Back in April, the film’s press tour was dominated by Diamond and Horovitz joking through interviews with a bit of context from Jonze, who first worked with the band in 1993 on their Time For Livin’ video.

But one of the people instrumental in the film who was not particularly visible was Jonze’s creative producing partner Amanda Adelson, who helped write the film in addition to producing it.

Adelson (left), who below with Jonze discusses how the doc came about,...

Two of the documentaries to earn the most Emmy nominations this year come from Netflix and Higher Ground Productions, the production company established by former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama.

The Oscar-winning American Factory claimed three nominations; Becoming did one better, claiming four, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, and directing and cinematography nominations for filmmaker Nadia Hallgren.

For the documentary, Hallgren followed the former first lady from North America to Europe as Mrs. Obama made promotional appearances for her bestselling memoir, Becoming. She says the project began with an unexpected call.

“I was just home one day, sitting at my kitchen table, my phone rang, and it was Priya Swaminathan, who runs Higher Ground Productions, the Obamas’ production company,” Hallgren recalls. “She tells me that Mrs. Obama is getting ready to go on this worldwide book tour, and that they thought it could be a great opportunity to document it.

Nadia Hallgren remembers exactly how her day was going when she received a phone call about making a documentary about former First Lady Michelle Obama. “I was having a pretty normal day about a year-and-a-half ago until the phone rang. [Priya Swaminathan] tells me that Michelle Obama is getting ready to go on this worldwide book tour and that they were floating this idea of documenting it,” says Hallgren in our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video above). The people at Higher Ground Productions were looking for someone who could handle several tasks including directing and cinematography. Still, it was a while before she actually got to sit down with Obama. “I had to have a few more calls before I was actually in front of the former first lady a few weeks later.”

“Becoming,” which is currently streaming on Netflix, follows Obama for her book tour across the U.

Watching the Michelle Obama documentary, “Becoming,” is an emotional experience that needed to be addressed by its director, Nadia Hallgren. The cinematographer turned director, who helmed the equally affecting documentary short “After Maria” for Netflix, understood the power and need for this story, now more than ever.

Hallgren spoke to IndieWire about working with Michelle Obama, sharing the former First Lady’s book tour and interactions with the young women of America, and how she balanced the woman versus the media icon.

What drew you to documenting this part of Michelle Obama’s life?

Nadia Hallgren: It’s almost like the story found me. I got a call from Priya Swaminathan, who is one of the heads of Higher Ground [the Obamas’ production company] and she’s like, “We’re working with the Obamas. Mrs. Obama is getting ready to go on this book tour, and we’re floating the idea of documenting it.

Nadia Hallgren directed; producers are Katy Chevigny, Marilyn Ness, Lauren Cioffi.

Netflix will debut Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, which the streaming platform has kept secret until now, on May 6.

The Netflix Original Documentary is presented in association with the Obamas’ Higher Ground and Big Mouth Productions.

Nadia Hallgren makes her feature directorial debut, and the producers are Katy Chevigny, Marilyn Ness, and Lauren Cioffi. Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis are executive producers, and Maureen A. Ryan served as co-producer.

Becoming, which is also the name of Obama’s bestselling autobiography, follows the former First Lady on a 34-city tour and...

Nadia Hallgren directed; producers are Katy Chevigny, Marilyn Ness, Lauren Cioffi.

Netflix will debut Becoming, its adaptation of Michelle Obama’s autobiography, on May 6.

The Netflix Original Documentary is presented in association with the Obamas’ Higher Ground and Big Mouth Productions.

Nadia Hallgren directed, and producers are Katy Chevigny, Marilyn Ness, and Lauren Cioffi. Priya Swaminathan and Tonia Davis are executive producers, and Maureen A. Ryan served as co-producer.

Becoming follows the former First Lady on a 34-city tour and reflects on her life now including two terms of the Barack Obama presidency.

“I’ve been a documentary cinematographer for...

Netflix and Higher Ground Productions announced today the forthcoming release of “Becoming,” a feature-length documentary following First Lady Michelle Obama around the country as she met Americans on tour for her bestselling memoir, also titled “Becoming.” Released in 2018, “Becoming” sold 1.4 million copies in its first week, and became the best-selling book in the U.S. for the year just 15 days after its debut. Netflix has also released a first look at the film, which shows Obama sitting down with a group of young African American women and sharing her experience.

The official synopsis reads: “‘Becoming’ is an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House. The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind...

Netflix has set its latest documentary project from Barack and Michelle Obama – a film about the former First Lady on nationwide memoir tour.

Becoming, which is directed by Nadia Hallgren, will take viewers behind the scenes as Michelle Obama travelled to 34 cities on the tour for her book. It will be released on May 6.

It is the latest film since the former President and his wife signed a landmark deal with the streaming service in 2018. The pair, who run Higher Ground Productions, were involved in Crip Camp, the Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht-directed film about a summer camp for teens with disabilities.

Following their Oscar win with “American Factory,” Barack and Michelle Obama are teaming with Netflix once again for a new documentary about Michelle’s recent book tour to launch her memoir.

Titled “Becoming,” after the memoir which published in late 2018, the doc offers a rare, up-close look at Michelle Obama’s life, taking viewers behind-the-scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour to promote her book. Both the memoir and the film are about highlighting the power of community to bridge divides and the spirit of connection that comes when people openly and honestly share their stories.

The doc drops on Netflix May 6 and hails from the Obamas’ exclusive development pact with the streamer via their Higher Ground Productions banner, which they launched last year. Documentarian Nadia Hallgren, whose credits include the Oscar-shortlisted doc “After Maria,” directed the film, with Katy Chevigny, Marilyn Ness and Lauren Cioffi on board as producers.

Netflix has released the first official trailer for “Crip Camp,” the new documentary from executive producers Barack and Michelle Obama under their growing production company, “Higher Ground.” The crowdpleaser took home the coveted Audience Award for U.S. Documentary at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The award is sometimes a bellwether for a film’s Oscar chances, a possibility made more likely with the Obamas onboard, as well as “How to Survive a Plague” producer Howard Gertler shepherding the film.

The official synopsis reads: “In the early 1970s, teenagers with disabilities faced a future shaped by isolation, discrimination, and institutionalization. Camp Jened, a ramshackle camp ‘for the handicapped,’ in the Catskills, exploded those confines. Jened was their freewheeling Utopia, a place with summertime sports, smoking and makeout sessions awaiting everyone, where campers felt fulfilled as human beings. Their bonds endured as they migrated West to Berkeley, California — a promised...

Joe and Anthony Russo’s Agbo production of Mohsin Hamid’s bestseller Exit West is coming together, Deadline has confirmed. The project, which now has Rogue One: A Star Wars Story‘s Riz Ahmed attached to star and executive produce, and Yann Demange directing, is also seeing Michelle and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and Netflix coming aboard.

A production start of this spring is being eyed.

Deadline broke the news when the Russos snapped up the rights to Exit West back in August 2017. At the time The Imitation Game director Morten Tyldum was set to direct. The novel was a 2017 Man Booker Prize long list selection, and it’s not a shocker to see Higher Ground attached here as Barack Obama included Exit West on his list of top books for that year.

Agbo’s Mike Larocca is producing with Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan.

In today’s film news roundup, MGM dates its “Tomb Raider” sequel, President Obama’s production company makes a hire, a “Rambo” marathon is unveiled, Andrew Matthew Welch gets a lead role and “After Midnight” finds a home.

Release Date

MGM is moving ahead with its “Tomb Raider” sequel, hiring Ben Wheatley to direct and setting a release date of March 19, 2021.

Alicia Vikander is on board to reprise her portrayal of action heroine Lara Croft. Graham King is producing through Gk Films with Elizabeth Cantillon. Wheatley’s credits include “Kill List,” “Free Fire” and the upcoming “Rebecca” remake, to be distributed by Netflix.

Last year’s “Tomb Raider,” directed by Roar Uthaug and based on the 2013 video game, took in $275 million worldwide as Vikander’s character attempted to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.

“Tomb Raider” is the first title to land on March 19, 2021. Wheatley is repped by Wme,...

The Obamas’ digital media company, Higher Ground, has hired a former top HBO exec to oversee development and production.

Ada Chiaghana was tapped as Higher Ground’s VP of development and production, after having previously served as a creative executive in HBO’s original programming department, Deadline reports, where she oversaw half-hour series such as Los Espookys and Silicon Valley. At Higher Ground, Chiaghana will report to co-heads Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan. Prior to joining, HBO, Chiaghana held roles at ABC Studios and Fabrik Entertainment (which produced Bosch and The Killing).

“Ada’s experience discovering and nurturing storytellers makes her a perfect fit for Higher Ground,” Davis and Swaminathan said in a statement, per Deadline. “We are dedicated to seeking out new voices and telling powerful stories that entertain and inspire. Ada’s intelligence, creativity, and proven track record will make her an integral part of our team.”

Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.

Higher Ground Productions — the banner founded by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama — has tapped Ada Chiaghana as vp development and production.

Chiaghana, who joins Higher Ground from HBO's original programming team, will report directly to co-heads Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan.

During her time at HBO, Chiaghana worked on titles that include Issa Rae's Insecure, Los Espookys and Silicon Valley. Prior to that, Chiaghana held positions in comedy development for ABC Studios and at Fabrik Entertainment.

“Ada’s experience discovering and nurturing storytellers makes her a perfect fit for Higher Ground," Davis and Swaminathan ...

Higher Ground Productions — the banner founded by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama — has tapped Ada Chiaghana as vp development and production.

Chiaghana, who joins Higher Ground from HBO's original programming team, will report directly to co-heads Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan.

During her time at HBO, Chiaghana worked on titles that include Issa Rae's Insecure, Los Espookys and Silicon Valley. Prior to that, Chiaghana held positions in comedy development for ABC Studios and at Fabrik Entertainment.

“Ada’s experience discovering and nurturing storytellers makes her a perfect fit for Higher Ground," Davis and Swaminathan ...

Higher Ground, the production company founded by President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, has hired Ada Chiaghana as VP Development and Production. Chiaghana moves over from HBO, where she has been a creative executive in the original programming department, working on half-hour series including Los Espookys and Silicon Valley.

Chiaghana, who had previous stints in comedy development at ABC Studios and at Bosch and The Killing producer Fabrik Entertainment, will now report to Higher Ground co-heads Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan.

“Ada’s experience discovering and nurturing storytellers makes her a perfect fit for Higher Ground,” Davis and Swaminathan said in a release announcing the hire. “We are dedicated to seeking out new voices and telling powerful stories that entertain and inspire. Ada’s intelligence, creativity and proven track record will make her an integral part of our team.”

The move comes as Higher Ground ramps up after inking its multiyear deal with Netflix.