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.
Netflix has acquired the documentary film "American Symphony," directed by Matthew Heineman, which follows musician Jon Batiste during his professional success while his wife battles leukemia. The film, promoted with a major Oscar campaign, will be released this year and is backed by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground. Heineman, known for his acclaimed documentaries, presents his most commercial film yet. Netflix also has two other documentaries, "The Deepest Breath" and "Stamped From the Beginning," in contention for the best documentary feature Oscar this season.
Spotify Live, the live audio app, is shutting down as the post-pandemic era has not been kind to live audio. The number of monthly active users on Clubhouse has dropped by 82%, and companies that followed in its footsteps have largely abandoned their pursuits. The Obamas' Higher Ground has signed a separate deal with Acast, which will distribute their podcasts across other platforms. iHeart has signed On Purpose with Jay Shetty, a megahit wellness podcast.