Apple has signed an agreement with Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries to get “first look” rights for content from the production company. This is part of Apple’s continuing efforts to build its roster of original content which will include documentaries and TV shows. Imagine will be able to continue making content for other outlets but Apple will have the right to decide first whether or not it wants to pick something up from the production company or not.
This production company was founded in 1986 and is headed by director Ron Howard. It has made some notable documentaries over the past couple of years including “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – the Touring years,” and Jay-Z’s “Made in America.”
Imagine will be developing non-fiction series and features under this agreement. Apple will have the first right of refusal so this deal doesn’t give the company exclusivity, just the chance to make a decision on content before Imagine sells it to another outlet. Imagine will be free to do that once Apple passes on a piece of content.
Apple does have similar agreements with other production companies. It has also directly commissioned new shows as it ramps up its investment in original content ahead of the impending launch of the company’s very own streaming service.
Filed in .. Source: variety