Last year Apple announced the production of high-level original scripted programming set to compete with giants such as Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu. Recently, Eddie Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services shed some light on what will be their strategy for the creation of Apple’s original TV series.
“We’re not after quantity, we’re after quality”, he said, in response to the fact that they are taking their time to launch the new programming. They want to make sure that they get things right, instead of just bringing a couple of high-end projects onto a platform as others have done before. When asked about the possibility of Apple buying the rights of Disney, Cue did not confirm anything, but it is undeniable that this purchase would set the perfect starting point for Apple to bring its content out into the world. When compared to other big players such as Netflix and their high expenses, Cue affirmed that “money isn’t an issue” and that they’re ready to make big investments. At the moment, Apple is said to be spending around $1 billion a year on original programming.
The shows that are currently being developed are certainly not few: an Amazing Stories reboot, about the making of a popular TV show; an “innovative drama” from La La Land director Damien Chazelle; a sci-fi series adaptation of I Am Legend by Francis Lawrence; the thriller Are You Sleeping; a half-hour comedy starring Kristen Wiig, Little America; a show focus on immigration from the writers of The Big Sick; a M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller or a new sci-fi project from Ronald D. Moore, director of Battlestar Galactica, among others.
But Cue has not yet clarified how viewers will have access to Apple’s original TV series once it will be launched, although he did talk about some “surprises” coming related to the viewing experience. He also commented that “there’s a real change coming in the marketplace”, which could be a hint for a possible new way to distribute these shows to the audience.
