30 January 2024 , 17:24
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's production company Archewell is facing more issues as TV executive Bennett Levine becomes the 17th member of staff to quit working for the couple since they married in 2018.
The couple set up Archewell in 2020 and have lost eight members of staff since, including those in scripts, marketing and content. Levine follows his former boss, Oscar-winning producer Ben Browning who quit the company last year. Browning was one of the driving forces behind the couple's record-breaking Netflix documentary series Harry & Meghan as well as their follow up series Live to Lead. Whilst the former royal couple's Netflix deal is currently in discussion, both Browning and Levine's departures are a big blow as Harry and Meghan look to secure their future with the streaming giant.
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Producer Ben Browning quit working for Harry and Meghan and their production company Archewell last year (Getty Images)The MailOnline confirmed Levine's exit, with a source revealing to the paper: "It's a blow to the company. There's no doubt about that." Levine, who was a production manager who likely took care of the business and finances at Archewell, confirmed his new job on social media with a note that reads: "I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position at Cinetic Media."
The company also lost their talented senior vice-president of scripted television Nishika Kumble last year after less than two year's of employment. The staff exits come amid reports that their Netflix deal is due to come to an end next year with no new projects in the foreseeable future for the couple. Harry and Meghan are keen to tie in future projects with Meghan teasing "exciting things on the slate" last year and it's thought they are trying to recruit new talent to help them secure a renewal on their deal.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing an uncertain future as their Netflix deal is up for renewal in 2025 (Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)Tracy Ryerson has been made their new Head of Scripted Content and joined the company in May last year, bringing her experience from Wayfarer Studios, Fabula and Caryn Mandabach Productions. In June last year, Harry and Meghan also brought in a marketing director at an exclusive hotel in Montecito to join them and boost their profile. Harrison Colcord is reportedly working alongside the couple as their office manager.
Whilst their Netflix future hangs in the balance, it is thought that the Sussexes could jump ship from Netflix when their contract ends in 2025, and instead team up with Paramount Pictures. Earlier this month the Sussexes made a rare public appearance when they attended the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in Kingston, Jamaica following an invitation from the CEO of Paramount Pictures. The Paramount CEO, Brian Robbins, is reportedly friends with the Duke and Duchess, with him and his wife owning a $17 million home in Montecito, close to the Sussexes' Montecito mansion that they have resided in since 2020.