Over the years every new Apple launch has repeatedly proven that the company doesn’t do things by halves. They’re clearly taking that same approach with their new venture into television, too. Not only has it been announced that Apple is preparing to spend $1 billion on original content, but they’re also aiming to create the next Game Of Thrones.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple already have $1 billion primed to invest on “original content.” To put that in context, HBO spent $2 billion on their original series in 2016, so it’s a huge sign of intention from Apple.
Apple has been very busy hiring the necessary behind-the-scenes team to rival the likes of Netflix, Amazon and the long-established television networks. Back in June, Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg were brought in, both of whom are former presidents of television over at Sony.
Erlicht and Van Amburg have wasted no time in outlining Apple’s ambition and muscle, immediately meeting with a cavalcade of Hollywood talent over the last few weeks as they look to buy up new scripts and develop ideas. No doubt they have been ordered on this trek by Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue, who has made it clear that he wants Apple to be the home to the next Game Of Thrones.
Of course, finding such a show is easier said than done. Netflix previously believed that they’d found it in Marco Polo, only for the show to be canceled after just two seasons at a cost of $200 million for the streaming website.
Apple has yet to actually confirm whether it has a TV streaming service planned. Their only two creations so far, Planet Of The Apps and Carpool Karaoke: The Series, have just been released to Apple Music subscribers. But considering the amount of money they’re about to doll out, and its obvious ambitions, that’s surely a formality at this point.
