Netflix and Shonda Rhimes extend their 2017 deal with another exclusive, multiyear contract that will go beyond television. It now includes her production company, Shondaland, and producing partner, Betsy Beers, to create feature films, gaming and even virtual reality content.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Netflix does not reveal their terms of agreement, but Rhimes will continuously be one of the streaming giant's highest-paid creators. Netflix Co-Chief Executive and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos even said she deserves the high paycheck.
"I want her to think of Netflix as the biggest canvas possible to create on," he added.
The new deal comes after the success of "Bridgerton" on Netflix that Shondaland produced. The show has been watched by its 82 million subscribers on its first 28 days on the platform.
It is now considered one of the most hit TV series in the world - resulting in giving it the green light until four seasons. Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, its Season 2 production has officially begun.
In a statement, Rhimes said Sarandos and her wanted to change the traditional network TV business model by moving Shondaland to Netflix, Variety noted. As they took the plunge into something unfamiliar, they were confident they would succeed.
"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," she said. "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."
With the renewed deal, Netflix promises to invest in and offer its technical infrastructure and resources to fund Shondaland's "DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) programs." This move will also represent more underrepresented groups in the workplace both in the U.S. and the U.K.
Meanwhile, as Netflix and Rhimes' partnership continues, a new "Bridgerton" spinoff will be in the works. It will be a limited series about Queen Charlotte's origin story that will also feature the young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.
Rhimes will be writing and executive producing the show with the help of Betsy Beers and Tom Verica. Other projects that will be seen from this producer are the limited series "Inventing Anna," which is set for 2022 release, and the Debbie Allen documentary "Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker."
