NETFLIX AND SHONDA RHIMES EXPAND THEIR CREATIVE PACT

Netflix unveiled one of its most recent partnerships; a creative content deal with prolific producer Shonda Rhimes, who will work alongside her partner Besty Beers. The expanded agreement will consist of the platform allowing Shondaland Media to produce, distribute, and stream feature films, as well as gaming and virtual reality content. Merchandise and live events will also be considered for the deal. “Bridgeton,” forming part of the line-up, is currently in production and is scheduled for its debut in 2022. The series, already set for renewal on Netflix for its third and fourth season, will soon expand into the series “Queen Charlotte.” 

“When Ted and I decided to break the traditional network TV business model to move Shondaland to Netflix, we were both taking a leap into the unknown,”  Rhimes said. “Today, Shondaland at Netflix is creatively thriving, profitable as an asset and engaging audiences around the world with stories that fearlessly challenge viewers and keep them highly entertained all at once.”

Following the global record-breaking success of “Bridgeton,” Rhime’s projects will serve as a financial and technical infrastructure investment on behalf of Netflix as the platform enhances its efforts to create a diverse and inclusive work environment for an underrepresented social group in the local region, as well as the UK. “Shonda makes shows that get the world talking, and we’ve seen the power of her creative vision to translate in any language,”  said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Global Head of TV.  

The romance series, inspired by Julia Quinn’s best-selling series, was viewed by 82 Million member households worldwide in less than a month. Additional series, such as “Inventing Anna,” are set to debut next year, while “Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker,” also created by Rhimes, premiered last year on the streaming platform.

"Ted, Bela, and the entire team at Netflix have been tremendous partners during every step of the process, supporting my creative vision and showing a continued dedication to the innovation that has made Netflix such a powerhouse,”  Rhimes said. “The Shondaland team and I are thrilled and excited to be expanding our relationship with our content partners at Netflix,”  she concluded.