It is reported that Apple has been in talks with film distrobutor EPIX to land a deal that would allow for streaming its movies on Apple devices. This is expected to include both current set-top devices and the rumored Apple HDTV, if such a device is ever produced.
EPIX is the joint venture between Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Lionsgate and was launched in late 2009. It has titles such as Rango and The Lincoln Lawyer in its stable, and will be adding others such as Thor and Transformers: Dark of the Moon in the near future. Reuters reported that the negotiations are in the early stages and no deal has been made yet.
Netflix has an existing agreement with EPIX for the rights to stream its content to its customers for $200 million a year. That deal ends in September, which is believed to be before the rumored Apple HDTV would be released.
A deal with EPIX would confirm Apple’s continued interest in providing content, not just hardware, for streaming. Apple currently has deals with Netflix and MLB TV, among others, for streaming content to thue company’s Apple TV settop box.