Apple meets Hollywood: Will roll-out its video service in 2019
According to a NYT report, Apple is looking to roll-out its video streaming service around the summer of 2019. Since October last year, Apple has used its initial budget of $1 billion to sign producers and actors for 12 different series, outspending the likes of Facebook, YouTube and Netflix on original series. Here's all you need to know about it.
Based in California, the Apple Worldwide Video studio is being run by a team of former Sony Pictures Television executives and now has around 40 employees. Notably, Apple has already made deals for 12 different series and continues to look for shows with a "bright and optimistic" plot. It plans to offer a content-mix of adult dramas, children's shows, amongst others.
Apple has signed Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon to star in a series about a morning TV show along with signing Damien Chazelle, the director of "La La Land" for a new series. Some other shows include a thriller by M. Night Shyamalan, a comedy show with Kristen Wiig and a futuristic drama by "The Hunger Games" director Francis Lawrence.
Speaking to an audience at SXSW event, Apple Vice President Eddy Cue said that their focus was on telling great stories, they are committed to long-form videos "rather than offering YouTube-style videos or buying a rival such as Netflix or Disney."
Apple has not divulged any specifics as to how it will distribute the shows. However, Apple may house the shows in its TV app which already allows access to video services like HBO Now and Hulu. Moreover, one doesn't know if Apple would keep its content behind a pay wall but one can expect a subscription-based service down the line.
The number of shows is expected to cross 500 this year as against 487 original shows released in 2017. While Apple is laying the ground work for its video service, Netflix has plans to spend up to $8 billion on content in 2018 so as to offer 'something for everyone.' Likewise, Amazon and Hulu have also opened their wallets for new projects.
