Apple Launches Casting Call for All-New Original TV Series ‘Planet of the Apps’

As the popularity of Apple’s TV continues to skyrocket, the Cupertino-company has increasingly sought out a number of ways to keep users coming back for more. And one of those initiatives, in particular, is the company’s long-rumored desire to produce some of its own star-studded, original content, which would be available exclusively to users of Apple TV.

To that end, just this morning we learned that the Silicon Valley tech-giant has officially released an open “app developer casting call” for potential participants of its debut series — ‘Planet of the Apps.’

‘Planet of the Apps’, which is slated to begin filming towards the end of 2016, is much akin to NBC Universal’s “The Apprentice” — except that it’s all about the app economy, including anything relating or pertinent to app development, sales, marketing, as well as the magnificent minds behind their rise to success.

Perhaps to the enlightenment of many potential viewers, Apple’s casting call for the reality-TV-inspired series further reveals that the show is actually much more than just “a show.” For instance, as Apple stated, ‘Planet of the Apps’ “will also act as a sort of launch pad and accelerator for exceptional app developers.” Those developers who end up making it through to the show’s final round of competition and scrutiny, according to Apple, will be eligible to receive up to a $10 million investment in their app from any of the show’s participating venture capitalists.

In a marketing effort to advance the lucky developer’s prospects, Apple will then feature the app in its App Store shortly after each episode airs — where it can be downloaded by eager app lovers from around the country.

According to a written description of the forthcoming program from one of its Executive Producers, Ben Silverman, “Executive producers will.i.am, myself, and Howard Owens are teaming up for an unscripted series about the world of apps and the talented people that drive their innovation. They’re looking for developers with the vision to shape the future, solve real problems, and inspire change within our daily lives. We can really tell their stories as we explore how apps are developed and created and incubated.”

Apple is currently looking for “100 of the world’s most talented app creators” to be interviewed in accordance with its casting call. Any apps will be considered if they’re compatible with iOS, macOS, tvOS, or watchOS — just as long as the title(s) — (yes, developers can submit multiple titles for consideration) — are either a fully functional or a beta release by October 21, 2016.

It’s not exactly clear how successful Apple’s foray into the digital content realm will play out — especially since trends in what users often like to watch have been changing dramatically. However, Netflix’s recent attempts to churn out its own original series — including Orange is the New Black, and House of Cards, for instance — have thus far been wildly successful.

Are you planning on watching Apple’s ‘Planet of the Apps’? Let us know in the comments!