Apple reportedly spending $5 billion more on original content for Apple TV+ than budgeted for
Ex-Hollywood hotshots Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg were said to have been given $1 billion to produce original television content for Apple in 2017 as the company prepared for what is now known as Apple TV+. Today, a source close to Apple’s upcoming streaming service claims that budget has now grown to more than $6 billion.
The news, shared with The Financial Times, says Apple has ploughed more than $5 billion into its original content production for Apple TV+, with hundreds of millions of dollars alone allocated to “The Morning Show,” one of the most high-profile shows that will be a part of the streaming service at launch.
The cost for “The Morning Show” has apparently exceeded the $15 million per episode that HBO spent on the final season of “Game of Thrones.”
Comparing the costings to rival Netflix who is said to spend $15 billion this year on original programming, Apple’s new budget may not be as eye-watering as it first appears. Reports claim Apple is offering cast members generous payment terms to win over exclusive deals.
Update: AppleTV+ will reportedly launch in November, with the platform likely priced at $9.99 per month following an initial month free trial.