Apple signs deal with Futuro Studios as it plans more original podcast content

Apple is increasing its spending on original podcasts, has signed an agreement with Futuro Studios, and is talking with out companies about deals, reports Bloomberg.

Futuro Studios is the creative division of Futuro Media. The team at Futuro Studios is led by Peabody Award-winning journalist Marlon Bishop on the editorial end and Julio Ricardo Varela on the business end. Futuro podcasts so far include “Suave,” “Idolo: The Battle ofChalino Sanchez,” “Anything for Selena,” Norco 80,” “Con Todo: Brown Love,” “The Battle for 187,” and “Radical Imagination.”

Bloomberg says Apple wants to add original content to its Podcast app/service that could evolve into shows for Apple TV+. The deal with Futuro Studios will fund the development and production of podcasts. In exchange, Apple will have the first shot at turning a podcast into a film or TV show, according to Bloomberg.

The article adds that the tech giant has spent up to US$10 million on this and arrangements with other studios. Apple has already announced podcasts with At Will Media, Campside Media, Jigsaw Productions, and Pineapple Street Studios.

On Aug. 8, it was announced that Apple is launching “Missed Fortune,” an audio series centered around the true story around one man’s years-long quest to find a million dollar treasure hidden in 2010 by eccentric art dealer Forrest Fenn. Deadline notes that “Missed Fortune” is Apple’s latest original podcast as the company continues to ramp up its move into original audio series. Previous originals include “The Line,” “Hooked,” “Run, Bambi, Run,” and “Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy.”