Netflix and Shonda Rhimes expand their creative relationship, established in 2017, beyond television, to feature films and games.
Under the terms of the expanded agreement, which includes Rhond Shondaland Media and its longtime production partner Betsy Beers, Netflix and Shondaland will produce, stream and distribute exclusively feature films in addition to potential games and virtual reality content.
“When Ted and I decided to break the traditional business model of the TV network to move Shondaland to Netflix, we both made a leap into the unknown,” Rhimes said in a statement. “Today, Shondaland on Netflix is creatively thriving, profitable as an asset and attracts audiences around the world with stories that fearlessly challenge viewers and keep them very entertaining at the same time. Ted, Bela and the entire Netflix team have been huge partners in every step of the process, supporting my creative vision and showing a continued dedication to innovation that has turned Netflix into such a great power. The Shondaland team and I are thrilled and excited to expand our relationship with our content partners on Netflix. ”
In addition, Netflix will invest in and provide the “financial and technical infrastructure to support Shondaland’s mission to create DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) programs that can increase the representation of the industry workplace for small groups. represented both nationally and in the UK, ”according to Serpentine.
The renewed and expanded deal comes after the worldwide popularity of Shondaland’s regency-era romance, “Bridgerton,” which Netflix says was seen by 82 million member households during the first 28 days of service. of the series. The series, based on the novels of Julia Quinn, is currently in production in the second season and has already been renewed for the third and fourth seasons. Also on sale is a limited series of original Queen Charlotte story, which will feature the stories of a young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. Rhimes writes and produces alongside Beers and Tom Verica.
Also close to Shondaland is the limited series “Inventing Anna,” scheduled for 2022, and Debbie Allen’s documentary “Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.”
“Shonda makes programs that make the world talk and we’ve seen the power of their creative vision to translate into any language,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s world television chief. “Shonda is a brilliant businesswoman and an excellent partner and we are delighted to expand our relationship with her over the coming years. As a personal note, I am especially invested in the tutoring and channeling programs we will support, as I have seen first hand how the power of tutoring can transform careers and lives, and I am excited about the possibility of that. which it may seem. as in the hands of Shonda “.