Justin Lin Signs Development Deal with Apple’s Upcoming Streaming Service

Justin Lin recently signed a new deal to develop, produce, and, possibly, direct new projects. The fact the director signed a contract isn’t surprising. As a director of Fast and Furious films, he long established his bankability. What may prove surprising is the company he signed with — Apple. The tech giant has plans to enter the online streaming world. So far, Apple hired some big-name talent to come up with content. Signing Justin Lin shows the company is moving forward with high-profile projects from top names.

Or, is it? Apple agreed to development deals with major names in the film and TV industry, but nothing concrete emerged so far. No dates for the arrival of programming on the proposed streaming service appear. Questions fly about regarding Apple’s seriousness about its commitment to streaming original programming. Obviously, a publicly traded tech company isn’t going to create an elaborate hoax centering on an online streaming idea. The company surely wants a new hit since its stock has crashed. A successful streaming channel could deliver that all-desirable hit. Granted, Netflix hasn’t turned any huge profits. YouTube isn’t setting the streaming world on fire with YouTube Red. Perhaps Apple isn’t in a rush due to concerns over eventual profitability.

In time, the Apple streaming site will hit the iTunes store. The company realizes talent such as Justin Lin are paramount to the project’s fortunes. His name value and association with the Fast and Furious franchise makes his known to millions of entertainment consumers. Apple delivers a platform for his work, which could open doors for Lin to produce innovative projects.

Lin is an action-adventure director. Apple probably wants projects fitting into this genre. However, development deals can include projects and concepts outside of a director’s common endeavors. Allowing a director, producer, or actor more freedom to produce different projects draws top-name creative people to sign contracts outside their normal pipeline. Lin could easily continue to make movies for the studios. Apple had to offer him something special to draw him away from feature film productions.

Of course, Apple likely offered Lin a huge sum of money. A-list talent doesn’t work cheap.

Eventually, details will arrive about what projects Lin intends to craft for Apple. While no public information exists, he surely pitched concrete project ideas to the company.