Apple is moving forward with its plans to enter the streaming market by hiring Sony presidents Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg to produce original content.
Apple's Original Content
It seems that every few months we hear news of some new company entering the already crowded streaming market, so we're not surprised to hear that Apple will be joining the ranks of YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. Rumors of Apple's plans for a paid TV service have been circulating for months. The company is likely hoping to use original streaming content to supplement its declining hardware division.
Apple has yet to unveil the details of its strategy, though its press release implies that the former Sony executives will have a lot of creative freedom when it comes to the production of original content. The duo will be reporting to Eddy Cue who serves as the VP of Apple's Internet Software division.
During their time at Sony, Erlicht and Van Amburg were responsible for some of the biggest hits of the past decade including Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Rescue Me and The Crown. The company has given no details regarding what the two are working on next; however, if Apple hopes to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime, it had better be something big.
The streaming market is crowded enough as it is. Unless Apple can bring something new to the game then this venture may do well beyond the Apple faithful.
"Jamie and Zack are two of the most talented TV executives in the world and have been instrumental in making this the golden age of television," said Cue."We have exciting plans in store for customers and can't wait for them to bring their expertise to Apple - there is much more to come."
Should Netflix Be Worried About Apple?
While competition from one of the world's most influential companies is no joke, Netflix has established itself as the number one streaming service for several reasons.
Beyond the fact that its success defined what streaming would look like, it has led the way in producing engaging original content which proves that internet streaming can be as compelling as anything found on HBO. With its deals with Marvel, Orange Is The New Black, Stranger Things, and 13 Reasons Why, Netflix has little to fear from Apple's latest venture.
