Meghan Markle and Prince Harry must understand content is important, says expert
TV expert says Meghan Markle and Prince Harry don't have the necessary understanding of how the Netflix budget works.
The insider told The Sun: "Executives think Harry and Meghan were nave in some aspects about how their deal would work out.
"There was definitely an assumption that they thought Pearl would just be presented and released. Word was that they were sad the show didn't pick up.
"But of course people forget that every project faces revision and that businesses have the right to veto projects, remove scenes, and oversee editorial direction in their work.
"Some people forget that Netflix is a business, so the commissioning officers and legal team have to act in the best interest of the brand.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry signed a multi-million dollar deal with Netflix in 2020 for content production. Recently, one of his animated series titled Pear has been slated by the streaming giant.
“Just because they are royalty, they are not treated any differently from others in the field of starting the program.
“Certainly it may be easier than most others to come in the door for meetings, but Netflix still takes into account projects that they think are good value for money or are of interest to viewers.
"The deal may be worth millions on paper, but they are absolutely not allowed to make whatever they want."
A Los Angeles-based TV and film consultant told the publication that "the £100 million deal figure" is a "not the complete picture."
She said: "On the surface this huge amount sounds huge, but the truth is their deal is all about budget when the shows go on.
"Certainly they may have a few million in an advanced development deal to produce ideas, concepts and film pilots, but they haven't been given a hundred million.
“While those amounts will actually be handed over to cover the entire production cost of the project, Archwell will provide a breakdown on fees for all aspects of producing the show. There will also be a comprehensive understanding of the profits involved.
"Some deals see companies achieve up to 20 percent of that total, while others can earn half that figure. ..Every deal is different.
"But fees for writers or executive producers, such as the Duke and Duchess, are often mentioned in specific amounts in the production budget."