Report: Apple looking produce the next Westworld, Stranger Things


The Wall Street Journal

The technology giant has been in talks with veteran producers in recent months about buying rights to scripted television programs. It also has approached experienced marketing executives at studios and networks to discuss hiring them to promote its content, said people with knowledge of the discussions.

In addition to TV, Apple indicated to these people that it is considering offering original movies, though those plans are more preliminary.

The report says Apple hopes to offer some new programming by the end of the year. It will be offered as a part of Apple Music, which I think is the key point to consider. Apple has been creating an assortment of original and exclusive content for Apple Music as a way to boost subscriptions. So, these programs are most likely seen as a value-added option rather than directly competing with Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon, or other subscription streaming services.

At the same time, however, tagging on to Apple Music would be a good way to ease into the original content business. Similar to Amazon Prime, Apple has a base of subscribers and wouldn't need to immediately produce an entire library of new content to justify a monthly subscription price.