It doesn’t seem that the Sussexes have much to offer in return for their reportedly high paychecks, though I do hope it works out for them.
Prince Edward’s experience trying to work outside the royal family did not go well and Edward and Sophie needed to be brought back in. I am concerned that the Sussexes will not be able to sustain their lifestyle on their own, without regularly monetizing what they are best known for — being former working royals. This was The Queen’s concern all along. It seems that at some point, unless they can start to produce marketably lucrative content, the paychecks will disappear and they will have to accept a lesser lifestyle. I do want them to succeed, quietly, so that this “divorce” from the working BRF will be permanent. Maybe once they are happier, familial ties can start to be restored.
The Sussex's have a lot to offer. They trend, they sell things out, people would love to work with them.
They got the high paychecks because it's them and people can see they have supporters who will buy. Their fans, have done multiple fund-raisers for charity's in their name. That means, there is a base that's willing to spend money and companies will notice that.
Also, Meghan's podcast teaser became the most shared as soon as it was released. It shows people are waiting.
When it comes to Netlfix, they already got the signing bonus. Netflix was ready to go ahead. This comes Netflix making bad choices and needed to slash and save money, animation, sadly, will always be one of the first to go because it cost money. The animation staff was cut a week ago so a few people knew this was coming if you pay attention to that type of stuff.
Edward, had never worked outside & had no experience outside of the RF so he didn't do as well. Sophie, worked in PR but I don't think she had a focus in business or entertainment. Edward might've been better off if he had a solid base and the people around him, worked in the area. She also got caught doing something the Sussex's haven't done.
Harry, had projects that while under the name of the RF while he worked on it, were separate. Invictus got a deal with Boeing this year. That's a lot of money coming in and Meghan, was apart of the industry in some way.
Netflix just decimated their animation department so it's not surprising that this show, which was only in pre production and as of only a few months ago was still looking for key figures and wasn't unique, has been cancelled. Although it is obviously sad for Meghan. It would depend on the contract as to whether it could be shopped anywhere else but if they do have a large contract with Netflix that would probably preclude it from being offered anywhere else unless execs specifically agreed. - No network or streaming service wants to turn something down only for it to be a big hit elsewhere.
I'm sure they'll be fine, they're not going to starve, albeit I believe they'll have to think carefully about how they go forward this year when everyone is out and about. It will be interesting to see what they offer Netflix next out of their "percolating projects". Heart of Invictus, whilst extremely worthy and hopefully well worth a watch is basically what Harry did with the BBC previously. It appears they have shot a lot of footage in recent months so either that will be part of HOI or perhaps a different "docuseries". I would not be surprised to see something timed for Harry's memoirs.
You are right about the contract, my hope is that they have the chance to shop it too other people. I believe, there were a few services interested but they went with Netflix in the end.
Despite it not being 'unique' there is interest and companies would notice that. Pearl, was trending, Meghan was one of the few or only people being talked about with the cancellation, article after article so *fingers crossed* that we get to see it one way or the other.
As for Heart of Invictus, was announced in 2021, with the focus being on the competitors road to getting to the games in the Netherlands and based on comments, it seemed like they've been filming in their perspective countries about the journey and the pandemic getting in the way.
