Dr. Dre Will Star in Apple’s First Original Scripted Series
Dr. Dre will executive produce and star in Apple's first original television show Vital Signs. Sources have told The Hollywood Reporter that the six-episode run is "billed as semi-autobiographical, with each episode focusing on a different emotion and how Dre's character deals with it." The superproducer reportedly developed the idea and pitched it directly to Jimmy Iovine.
Empire co-executive producer/writer Robert Munic is working on the project alongside Dre and music video director Paul Hunter is also involved. Hunter has a lengthy resume and directed classic videos like The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Hypnotize," Diddy's "It's All About the Benjamins," Eminem's "The Way I Am" and many more.
Vital Signs is described as a dark drama heavy on violence and sex. A source that was onset during filming in the Hollywood Hills earlier this week told THR that they witnessed an extended orgy scene.
The six episodes will be available all at once and the venture into original programming marks Apple's entrance into direct competition with streaming platforms like Netflix. As of now, Apple does not have a TV studio or a development team, but execs from the technology and entertainment powerhouse visited Hollywood studios during summer 2015 and are reportedly open to working with artists who already have a relationship with Apple.
Dre's new project is just another example of the power and influence he has with Apple. In 2014, Dre and business partner Iovine sold Beats Electronics and Beats Music to Apple for a reported $3 billion. The two were also given executive roles within the company. Since the sale, the duo have been instrumental in helping Beats 1 Radio launch, and Dre released his Compton: The Soundtrack album exclusively through Apple Music in August.
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