Apple is reportedly in talks with “American Gods” producer Fremantle to supply content for the former’s upcoming video streaming service.
Apple is getting ready to unveil a TV streaming service later this month and one of the last-minute discussions with content owners ahead of launch involves Fremantle, which co-produces reality shows like “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” “The Price is Right,” and “Family Feud,” as well as shows like “American Gods” and “My Brilliant Friend,” reads a new report from Deadline.
“Discussions with new OTT platforms such as Apple are also being held so the range of activities continues to expand,” said Fremantle CEO Bert Habets.
If Fremantle reaches a deal with Apple, then the Cupertino company‘s yet-to-be-named streaming service could include game shows and reality shows co-produced by Fremantle. Another possibility includes Fremantle, owned by RTL Group, creating original content for the iPhone maker’s streaming service.
While Habets didn’t go into more detail, RTL is reportedly developing at least 35 new scripted projects, some of which Apple could potentially purchase as its own original content.
Apple’s video service is said to focus primarily on licensed shows from Hollywood studios at launch, with its own original programming arriving no earlier than the fall. We’ll know everything in less than two weeks as the Cupertino firm earlier this week sent out official invites for the March 25 press event.
Apple’s push for increasing its revenue drawn from services has seen it increasingly strategize its latest launches around subscription models. The company is looking at services such as original video content streaming and news/magazine subscriptions to make money, following in Microsoft’s steps, and foregoing its image of being a hardware-driven company in place of a media company.
