Expansion of Harry, Meghan, and Netflix's Collaborative Relationship Continues
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are continuing their partnership with Netflix, but in a new format. Their initial multi-year deal, worth $100 million, has been downgraded to a first-look deal, according to recent reports.
This change means that Netflix will have the first chance to consider the content developed by Archewell Productions, but is not obligated to produce everything they develop. The couple's team has confirmed that they are working on this first-look deal with Netflix, marking a significant shift from their original partnership's scale and scope.
The initial agreement allowed broad creative opportunities for the couple, resulting in popular documentaries such as Harry & Meghan and collaborative series like Polo, Invictus Games, and Heart of Invictus. However, the new arrangement may reflect Netflix's broader content strategy shifts and negotiations dynamics, as other prominent producers like Ryan Murphy have moved deals between platforms.
Meghan Markle has also developed a lifestyle brand, called As Ever, in partnership with Netflix. She has announced upcoming collaborations with Netflix, including a second season of Archetypes and a lifestyle and cooking show.
The latest project in this new era of collaboration is a cinematic adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel, Rendez-vous au bord du lac. This is the first cinematic adaptation produced by Archewell Productions, as all previous projects have been documentaries or series. The drama tells the story of a decade-long love affair that begins with a chance encounter and a broken promise.
In addition, the production of Rendez-vous au bord du lac is a continuation of the partnership between Archewell Productions and Netflix. The series will also have a special holiday episode, although the release date has not been announced.
The cinematic adaptation of Rendez-vous au bord du lac is not related to any previously mentioned documentaries or series. Meanwhile, another project set to release this year is Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, a documentary short about a small orphanage in the Masaka region of Uganda.
This shift in partnership and the introduction of new projects underscore the continued commitment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to creating meaningful and impactful content, both in film and in lifestyle branding.
[1] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023). Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix Deal Shifts to First-Look Pact. [Online]. Available: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/prince-harry-meghan-markle-netflix-first-look-deal-1235245377/
[2] Variety. (2023). Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix Deal Downgraded to First-Look Pact. [Online]. Available: https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/prince-harry-meghan-markle-netflix-first-look-deal-1235245377/
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new partnership with Netflix will allow them to explore various arts and entertainment projects, such as the cinematic adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel, Rendez-vous au bord du lac, and Meghan Markle's lifestyle and cooking show, both upcoming collaborations within their first-look deal.
- The shift from their initial multi-year deal to a first-look pact for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aligns with the broader changes in pop-culture and entertainment industry dynamics, as shown by other celebrities and producers like Ryan Murphy moving deals between platforms.
