Dr. Dre is filming Apple’s first TV series.
According to reports, Apple is creating their first original TV show and they are hiring the Beats co-founder and rapper Dr. Dre.
Dr. Dre is starring in and executive producing his own six-episode series called Vital Signs, and the production is being financed by Apple. The series will most likely be distributed by Apple Music, the company’s subscription streaming site but it’s not clear if Apple TV, the iTunes store or other platforms will be associated with the project.
From THR:
Those who have seen descriptions of the Dr. Dre show say it is billed as semi-autobiographical, with each episode focusing on a different emotion and how Dre’s character deals with it. Sources say that Sam Rockwell and Mo McCrae (Murder in the First) are among the additional cast.
The show is not a comedy and is being described as a dark drama with “no shortage of violence and sex.” In fact, an episode filming Monday and Tuesday this week featured an extended orgy scene.
The show will be directed by Paul Hunter, which is also being produced under his production company Eye Candy Banner alongside producers Aaron Ginsburg and William Green.
In addition, Empire’s Robert Munich was chosen to write all six episodes and executive produce the production. The first season will be released all at once.
This should not be a surprise as Apple has been showing interest in creating original programming for the past few years, or at least since Netflix and Amazon started making millions by creating their own content. And This will be Apple’s first real investment in a scripted TV series.
This deal makes sense considering Dre’s relationship with Apple. Two years ago, he and Jimmy Iovine sold their Beats Electronics to Apple for $3 billion.
