In May 2018, the Obamas, former United States President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, launched their film and television production company, Higher Ground Productions, through a multi-year deal with streaming service Netflix, which has so far distributed all the company’s projects, beginning with the 2019 documentary film American Factory. While the Obamas started the production company for the express purpose of increasing exposure to diverse voices within the entertainment industry, the company was also born out of their love of quality storytelling, which the Obamas believe has the power to compel audiences to gain a better understanding of other people’s lives.