Google is following Apple into the world of original television shows and movies, according to a new report on Monday.
However, we might not see hit shows akin to Severance or Ted Lasso coming to a Google TV streaming service any time soon.
Instead, Business Insider reports, the Mountain View-based company has turned its attention to the Hollywood Hills for other reasons altogether. The project is called 100 Zeroes (the ‘Googol’ upon which the search engine’s name was originally based), with the Google’s Platforms and Devices team leading the effort.
The report says Google has aligned with a company called Range Media Partners, the production firm involved with the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown to create scripted and unscripted TV shows and Movies. The plan is to distribute the projects through existing studios rather than on YouTube or an associated homegrown streaming service.
According to the report, Google’s focus here is on sharing the good word about Google itself, and to promote its new technologies. That sounds kind of ominous.
The report says:
“The company sees it as a way to get the creative community to adopt its newer tech products and services, like its Immersive View feature that lets you see things in 3D, spatial tools that blend the physical and virtual worlds, and AI.”
“Google also wants to promote a positive view of its products — and tech generally — through entertainment to young audiences by helping shape pop culture.”
Business Insider
In a statement issued to TechCrunch, Google confirmed it is working with Range to promoter new technologies.
“We’re working with Range to assist the creative community in integrating cutting-edge technologies and platforms, like XR and AI, into their filmmaking.”
Opinion
So what is exactly is this? Part propaganda for Google’s tech initiatives, part ensuring the hottest studios are thinking about Google tech, and part getting its fingers and influence into more pies?
I’m not sure I like the sound of Google using its vast amassed wealth to enter the entertainment industry and “promote a positive view of its products”.
We’ll keep an open mind for now.
