WSJ: ‘Apple Readies $1 Billion War Chest for Hollywood Programming’

It’s an interesting route that Apple’s taking with its purported movie streaming service. I’m not sure the world needs another “Originals” service, there are already too many of them. I’d like Apple to instead be the enabler of video distribution here. Basically, an App Store like platform where anyone can upload a movie / show, and make a living would be a cool idea. 

There are so many young filmmakers who put up their movies and shows on Vimeo and YouTube in hopes of recognition (money isn’t even a question for many). This is a market ripe for disruption, and Apple has both the platform and the experience to take on the production heavy business and give it back to storytellers. Instead, Apple’s trying to do the completely opposite, if rumours are to be believed. 

With services, the focus is often on user acquisition, deals and exclusives. It’s seldom towards the pillars that make a good user experience on both ends (The user and the generator of the content); Enabling and Innovative experiences and I’d like to see Apple focus on a good UX rather than releasing a me-too streaming service.