Is Apple Putting Former HBO Programming Head Michael Lombardo In Charge Of Original Video Efforts?

It appears former HBO programming head Michael Lombardo could be leading Apple’s original video efforts. A new report is claiming that Tim Cook’s company is looking for someone to be the boss of the tech giant’s new venture, and one person that currently stands out and is fit for the position is Lombardo.

On Monday, The Information wrote that Apple is hiring a programming chief for its video programming strategy. The news site indicated that hiring a big boss for the new venture could be signaling Apple’s seriousness in its endeavor to joining the entertainment industry. Samsung’s biggest rival already has reality shows “Carpool Karaoke” and “Planet of the Apps” that are slated to air on Apple Music this year. Getting someone to manage the original video efforts could mean that more shows and perhaps movies are underway.

As of late, the original video content creation venture is being led by Apple executive Jimmy Iovine and SVP of Internet and Software Services Eddy Cue. Both have reportedly voiced the company’s interest in tapping into pop culture. Additionally, AppleInsider reports that Apple is obviously aiming to create its own full-fledged video production house. Nonetheless, the tech giant has not shown signs that it is very eager to push through with this project.

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While Apple has already announced the two shows, it has yet to reveal the next projects that it is working on. Cue has stated early this year that the company was being bombarded with show pitches from various companies. One scripted show that is rumored to be in the works is Dr. Dre’s “Vital Signs.” In March, there was also a report about Apple trying to recruit big Hollywood TV and film producers to join its venture.

If Apple is indeed planning something big for its next project, then it would really need someone to oversee its video content creation. Lombardo has earned his stripes in the entertainment industry for heading the programming at HBO from 2007 to 2016. He also supervised the launch of hit shows like “Game of Thrones,” “True Blood” and “Silicon Valley.” Lombardo has already met with Apple early this year, so he is viewed as the first candidate for the position, according to 9To5Mac.

Apple’s original video efforts are believed to be the product of the company’s desire to launch a branded streaming TV service. When this happens, it could struggle to lure consumers to subscribe to its own service given that Netflix and Amazon have already become the big players in this market. It therefore makes sense why the iPhone maker is trying to recruit the big names in Hollywood for its original content strategy.

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The news about Apple’s plan to hire a programming chief comes weeks after it was revealed that the company has delayed the premiere of “Carpool Karaoke: The Series” to later this year. It did not give specific details at the time why the show was being delayed for the second time. The series was originally intended to debut in March. But before it could even premiere, the tech giant announced that it is launching in April instead. At present, there is no specific release date for the show that’s inspired by a famous segment from James Corden’s late-night talk show.