Apple’s £770m bid to conquer Hollywood

APPLE could open a symbolic outpost in the heart of Hollywood as it seeks to make its mark on TV and film production.

The world’s most valuable company is considering a move into Culver Studios, where Gone with the Wind and The Matrix were filmed.

It comes as the Silicon Valley giant gears up to take on internet streaming rivals Amazon, Google and Netflix by producing its own content.

The Culver Studios could give it office space to expand, with Apple poised to spend about £770m on original programming next year.

It has also poached Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg from Sony Pictures Television. The pair brought Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan to Sony, and helped create Netflix’s successful hit show, The Crown.

The iPhone maker is also reportedly bidding against rivals for rights to a drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, and wants Erlicht and Van Amburg to add around 10 shows to its stable.