Higher Ground

What Higher Ground does

Higher Ground Productions is a privately held media production company founded in 2018 by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama and headquartered in Los Angeles. The company produces scripted films, television series, children's programming, documentaries, podcasts, and — as of 2026 — Broadway theatrical productions, serving global distribution platforms rather than end consumers directly. Its portfolio spans 24 projects since inception, including the Academy Award-winning documentaries 'American Factory' (2019) and 'Crip Camp' (2020), narrative features such as 'Leave the World Behind' (2023) and 'Rustin' (2023), children's series ('Waffles + Mochi,' 'Ada Twist, Scientist'), and docuseries including 'Starting 5,' 'Court of Gold,' and 'Our Oceans.' The company has collectively earned 3 Oscar nominations and 12 Emmy nominations across its productions.

The business model is built around content licensing and production-for-hire rather than direct consumer monetization. Higher Ground originally operated under an exclusive overall deal with Netflix, which by 2024 had shifted to a first-look arrangement; in 2026 the company announced full independence, enabling multi-platform distribution across HBO, Apple, Amazon, FX, Disney, Audible, Spotify, and Broadway. Revenue is generated through production licensing agreements with these platforms, with the company functioning as a prestige content supplier targeting streaming and broadcast buyers seeking differentiated, awards-position product. Distribution partners include Netflix (legacy), HBO, Audible, and Spotify, and the company employs between 11 and 50 people. Its go-to-market motion is fundamentally event-driven, leveraging the Obama name and direct celebrity relationships to secure talent and premium platform placement rather than building proprietary technology or consumer-facing distribution infrastructure.

Name

Higher Ground

Legal name

Higher Ground Productions

Website

https://highergroundmedia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Higher Ground is a Los Angeles-based media production company founded in 2018 by Barack and Michelle Obama that produces scripted films, documentaries, TV series, children's programming, podcasts, and Broadway theatrical content for global distribution platforms including Netflix, HBO, Audible, and Spotify.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Media Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211), Record Production and Distribution (51225)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

University & Educational Venue Operations (Auditoriums, Campus Arenas) (MPAGALAI)

Keywords

• Film production
• Documentary production
• Television production
• Podcast production
• Theatrical production

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Content Production Licensing: Higher Ground produces film, television, and podcast content under partnership agreements with major studios and streaming platforms. The company produces content that is then licensed/distributed through partners like Netflix, HBO, Audible, and others.
2. Theater Production: Higher Ground co-produces Broadway theatrical productions, such as 'Proof' starring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, expanding revenue streams beyond digital content.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Higher Ground is a media production company that develops, produces, and finances premium content including feature films, documentaries, scripted and unscripted television series, podcasts, and Broadway/theatrical productions. The company produces content intended for distribution through major streaming platforms, premium cable networks, audio platforms, and theatrical venues.

Product overview

Higher Ground is a media production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2018 that produces films, television series, documentaries, and podcasts. The portfolio includes Academy Award-winning documentaries (American Factory, Crip Camp), narrative films (Leave the World Behind, Rustin), docuseries (Starting 5, Court of Gold, Our Oceans), children's programming (Waffles + Mochi, Ada Twist, Scientist), comedy series (Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness), theatrical productions (Proof on Broadway), and podcasts (IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, The Big Hit Show series). The company operates across multiple distribution platforms including Netflix, HBO, Audible, and Spotify, and has expanded from its initial Netflix exclusive deal to work independently with various studios.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 3 Oscar nominations (American Factory won Best Documentary, Rustin nominated)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AudiblecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 June 2026Higher Ground partnered with Audible along with The History Channel and Pushkin Industries to produce 'Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise' podcast series exploring the Reconstruction Era (1865-1877).
• Pushkin IndustriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 June 2026Podcast production partner for 'Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise' alongside Higher Ground, The History Channel, and Audible.
• The History ChannelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 June 2026Partnership for 'Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise' as part of The History Channel's HISTORY Honors 250 campaign marking America's 250th anniversary. Also partner for other historical content.
• Blue Ox FilmscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2026Blue Ox Films partnered with Higher Ground to produce 'Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds' which received Emmy nomination for Outstanding Cinematography: Documentary. Blue Ox Films is an independent production company based in Portland, Oregon.
• Supper ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2026Production partner with Netflix and Higher Ground for 'Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds' documentary.
• NBA EntertainmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2026Production partner with HBO Max and Higher Ground for 'We Beat the Dream Team' documentary.
• Lemme Say This PodcastminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026The 'Lemme Say This' pop-culture podcast returned under a new pact with Higher Ground, marking an expansion of Higher Ground's podcast portfolio.
• HBOcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 April 2026HBO distributes Higher Ground's 'Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness' comedy series, one of the first projects under Higher Ground's post-Netflix independent operation.
• NetflixcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 April 2026Original exclusive deal (2018) shifted to first-look arrangement in 2024. Deal set to conclude later in 2026, with Higher Ground transitioning to independent operation. Higher Ground continues collaboration with Netflix on projects already in development.
• Broadway (Booth Theatre)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 March 2026Higher Ground making Broadway producing debut with 'Proof' revival starring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, opening at the Booth Theatre on April 16, 2026. Directed by Thomas Kail.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Skydance Media: David Ellison's diversified media company producing film, TV, animation, and interactive content. Comparable as founder-led production company with major streamer/broadcaster partnerships and broad content portfolio.
• Amblin Partners: Steven Spielberg's larger entertainment company spanning film, TV, and digital content. Comparable as established production company with prestige pedigree and long-standing relationships with major platforms.

Direct peers

• A24: Independent film production and distribution company known for prestige content. Comparable focus on prestige, awards-caliber productions and multi-platform distribution across streamers and theatrical.
• Hello Sunshine: Reese Witherspoon's production company producing premium film, TV, and audio content with female-driven narratives. Direct comparable: celebrity-founded production company leveraging founder brand for talent access and premium platform deals.
• Harpo Productions: Oprah Winfrey's media production company producing prestige film, TV, and digital content. Direct comparable: celebrity-founder-led production company focused on socially conscious and inspirational content with premium platform distribution.
• JuVee Productions: Viola Davis and Julius Tennon's production company producing film, TV, and digital content focused on underrepresented voices. Comparable as celebrity-founded production company producing socially conscious prestige content with platform distribution.
• Chernin Entertainment: Peter Chernin-led production company producing prestige film, TV, and documentary content. Comparable producer-driven model with major platform partnerships and prestige focus.
• SpringHill Company: LeBron James and Maverick Carter's entertainment and production company spanning film, TV, and digital content. Comparable as celebrity-founded multi-format production company producing sports, culture, and narrative content.
• Plan B Entertainment: Brad Pitt's production company producing prestige film and limited series. Comparable as celebrity-founder-led production company with award-winning prestige slate and major streaming/broadcaster partnerships.

Emerging players

• ARRAY (formerly AFFRM): Ava DuVernay's distribution and production collective focused on underrepresented filmmakers. Comparable as mission-driven production company producing socially conscious content with multi-platform distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HGMedia
• Facebookfacebook.com/HigherGroundOfficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/higher-ground-official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Higher Ground