Apple Hires Sony TV Execs to Jumpstart Original Programming
We’ve known for years that Apple had some designs on original TV, but early entries like Planet of the Apps or August’s Carpool Karaoke spinoff haven’t made major impact. That may change, as Apple hires some of Sony Pictures Television’s top representatives to spearhead the next phase.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Apple has confirmed that Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg will run their video programming department, following the pair’s exit from Sony Pictures Television as co-presidents. The two will work with Apple Music executives to oversee all content for the company, including the recent flirtation with original documentaries like Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.
Still unknown is the fate of Dr. Dre’s surreal Vital Signs miniseries, which stars Ian McShane, Sam Rockwell and more, though Erlicht and Van Amburg are famous for rescuing series like NBC’s Timeless and Community. The two also have a knack for signing major showrunners like Vince Gilligan or Adam F. Goldberg to overall deals with the studio, and THR speculates that Apple’s near-bottomless reserves will help Erlicht and Van Amburg position Apple as a content rival to Amazon and Netflix.
Said Erlicht, followed by Van Amburg:
It will be an honor to be part of the Apple team. We want to bring to video what Apple has been so successful with in their other services and consumer products — unparalleled quality.
Apple has a relentless focus on delighting customers with their products. We will bring that same intention to Apple’s programming and we could not be more excited about what lies ahead.
The two will join Apple later this summer, so stay tuned for further details on the music giant’s push into original programming.