Apple looking for developers to compete in ‘Planet of the Apps’ reality TV show
Wed 13 Jul 2016
After months of rumours, Apple is to launch a new unscripted reality TV show about apps and developers called Planet of the Apps. The open casting call kicked off this week and is on the look out for ‘100 of the world’s most talented app creators’ to participate.
The show’s producers have requested that hopeful contestants send over information about their prototype apps, as well as a minute-long video profiling themselves and their developer team. Applications from would-be participants close on Friday 26th August.
The Planet of the Apps website bills the programme as a ‘launch pad and accelerator for exceptional developers.’ It adds that competitors will compete for mentorship from ‘some of the world’s best experts in tech and entertainment.’
The winning team will also receive funding from ‘top-tier VCs investing up to $10 million (approx. £7.5 million)’, as well as ‘featured placement in the App Store.’
The show will be co-produced by production company Propagate. American hip hop artist and entrepreneur Will.i.am will also be involved in producing the programme.
In a press statement Propagate commented: ‘Over 2 million apps are available on the App Store, with new apps published every day. Planet of the Apps will give app creators the chance to break through and share their ideas with the world. This is an exciting format that taps into what is driving culture today. We can’t wait to see the ground-breaking ideas accepted for the show grow into viable businesses.’
Details about airing dates were not revealed, but the casting call asks that developers have an app in beta by 21st October. Filming is scheduled to begin later this year in Los Angeles, and will run through the beginning of 2017.
The show is expected to be available across Apple platforms, including Apple TV and iTunes. It is unclear whether the show will be distributed through traditional TV networks, or over online services such as Netflix.
