Apple has been in talks with Hollywood executives about producing original video programming content, much like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu do for their streaming video services, says a report from Variety.
Sources indicate the Cupertino, Calif., colossus has held preliminary conversations in recent weeks with executives in Hollywood to suss out their interest in spearheading efforts to produce entertainment content. The unit putting out the feelers reports into Eddy Cue, who is Apple’s point man on all content-related matters, from its negotiations with programmers for Apple TV to its recent faceoff with Taylor Swift.
Variety’s sources have told Variety conflicting information about Apple’s intentions in the video production arena. One source indicated Apple wants to develop and create long term content, much like Netflix’s original series and movies, while another tells them Apple is merely “flirting” with the idea.
Apple allegedly launched a bid to grab Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond when they left the BBC earlier this year. However, Amazon eventually signed the trio.
Apple has ventured into creating original content recently, with the debut of its Beats 1 radio station, as well as music videos for a number of artists. Also, with a much-rumored television streaming service coming in early 2016, Apple would likely be looking for original content to set its service apart from similar offerings by streaming competitors.
Any series or movies the company might produce would require a large financial investment, either to set up their own internal studio, or to make deals with independent producers. However, Apple’s well-known deep pockets could easily absorb such expenses.
(Via MacRumors)
