Apple has set its sights on the renowned Culver Studios to serve as the launching point into Hollywood production, according to a new report.
The firm is reportedly seeking office space for its original content division in the long-time Hollywood hub, where movies such as Gone with the Wind and The Matrix were shot.
The move would also put Apple’s office in proximity with the Sony Pictures lot in Culver City, according to the Financial Times.
Apple has set its sights on the renowned Culver Studios to serve as the launching point into Hollywood production, according to a new report. The firm is reportedly seeking office space for its original content division in the long-time Hollywood hub
The Culver Studios has been a major location in the filmmaking industry since it was built nearly a century ago by Thomas Ince.
In the years since, it’s been owned by RKO, Howard Hughes and Cecil B DeMille.
Acquiring space in the classic Hollywood spot would give Apple more room to expand and bring in top talent from the industry, sources told FT.
It has 13 soundstages up to 32,000-square-feet large, which can be used to shoot TV shows and even full-length feature films.
Dailymail.com has reached out to Apple for comment.
The claims come just weeks after a separate report from the Wall Street Journal revealed the tech company has budgeted $1billion to acquire original content next year, according to sources close to the matter.
While it remains unclear what kind of programming Apple is seeking – whether television, movies, or both, the budget suggests they are taking a similar route to Amazon.
Amazon started offering original television shows on its streaming service, Amazon Prime Video, in 2013.
It wasn’t until about two years after that they started producing films in earnest.
So it seems that Apple could take the same path, starting small with TV shows first and then moving into film.
The Culver Studios has been a major location in the filmmaking industry since it was built nearly a century ago by Thomas Ince. Many films, including Gone with the Wind (pictured) were shot there
Experts close to the matter told the Journal that right now Apple has the budget to acquire about 10 TV shows.
DailyMail.com reached out to the Cupertino company, but they declined to comment on the report.
In June, Apple poached two Hollywood executives from Sony, Jamie Erlicht and Zach Van Amburg, who have been meeting with agents to discuss possible shows to acquire. The two industry veterans started working in Apple’s LA offices this month.
According to the report from FT, Apple is looking to take on a high-profile drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
Acquiring space in the classic Hollywood spot would give Apple more room to expand and bring in top talent from the industry, sources told FT
The site has 13 soundstages up to 32,000-square-feet large, which can be used to shoot TV shows and even full-length feature films. The Matrix is among the many films shot there
But, it’s up against Netflix for the rights.
So far, the firm has struggled to make an impact in the TV industry, with its reality show Planet of the Apps considered a flop.
The new budget and interest in the Culver Studios, however, suggests Apple is getting serious about its commitment to Hollywood, FT reports.
Along with putting its new office near the Sony Pictures studio lot, it will also be close to Beats, which Apple purchased two years ago.
Apple is also expected to unveil a new Apple TV at the upcoming product launch September 12.