There were rumors last year that with the launch of the new Apple TV, Apple was also planning on changing the way they offered content. As it stands, Apple pretty much just offers content that they have licensed from content providers, but word on the street suggested that Apple was also looking to follow in Netflix’s footsteps by offering original content.
Apple exec Eddy Cue sidestepped the question when asked about it, leading some to speculate that since he did not deny it, the rumors could be true after all, and now a new report from Fast Company appears to have corroborated those claims. According to the lengthy report, it suggests that Apple (along with Facebook, Google, and China’s Alibaba) have been scouting for top Hollywood talent to help create original content.
Apparently Apple hosted a secret invite-only event at this year’s Sundance festival in which they shared their plans with filmmakers and industry insiders. However according to Fast Company’s sources, it has been suggested that it could take a while before anything happens. It seems that Apple is currently disorganized and that they do not have a clear strategy for its television plans.
What the company has planned right now is to release short films, documentaries, and music videos, and at the same time develop full Netflix-style original programming. There have also been talks about Apple executives flying out to Los Angeles to hear ideas for original TV shows. Now whether or not we will see anything definitive launched is still a mystery, but hopefully Apple will be able to decide on a clear strategy moving forward.