Shonda Rhimes and Netflix have expanded their multi-year deal to include potential gaming content, feature films, and virtual reality.
Their new deal will include an expansion deal for Rhimes production, Shondaland. The new deal will give Shondaland the opportunity to “exclusively produce, stream and distribute feature films as well as potential gaming and virtual reality content.” The deal will also include live events.
“When Ted [Sarandos] and I decided to break the traditional network TV business model to move Shondaland to Netflix,” Rhimes tells Hollywood Reporter. “We were both taking a leap into the unknown. 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.”
This past December, Rhimes produced her first scripted series, Bridgerton, for the streaming service. The series quickly became one of Netflix’s most-viewed shows of all time.
“Shonda makes shows that get the world talking,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s upped head of global TV, told THR. “We’ve seen the power of her creative vision to translate in any language. Shonda’s a brilliant businesswoman and a terrific partner and we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with her for years to come.”
As part of Rhimes’s new deal, Netflix will invest in Rhimes’ goal to promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility programs for underrepresented groups in the industry. Her programs will include marginalized groups in the United States and the United Kingdom.