Apple’s upcoming streaming video service now has someone in charge of documentaries. Molly Thompson previously held a similar role at A&E Networks.
Action and comedy shows have so far grabbed the most attention at Apple TV+, but clearly educational programming will play a big part too.
Thompson’s mini-biography on LinkedIn says:
Molly is the founder and head of A&E IndieFilms, the feature documentary division of A+E Networks. Since its inception in 2005, A&E IndieFilms has gained an unprecedented track record, garnering four Academy Award nominations – for Life, Animated; Cartel Land; Murderball and Jesus Camp – along with hundreds of other awards and nominations. Molly also serves as executive producer for documentaries and scripted features produced under the HISTORY Films® and Lifetime Films® banners.
More about Apple TV+
Apple recently unveiled its upcoming streaming video service. During the unveiling, the company talked about high-profile shows like Stephen Spielberg’s Amazing Stories. And Jason Momoa will head up See, a sci-fi epic world-building drama in which everyone in the world is blind.
Which isn’t to say the company is overlooking documentaries. It recently signed a “first look” deal for films created by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries. Plus, Apple snapped up a nature documentary about elephants, and one based on the life of musician Ed Sheehan.
It will be Thompson’s job to handle further such deals.
Apple TV+ is scheduled to debut this fall. Apple has not yet revealed what it will charge subscribers.