Original programming from Hulu

Hulu, the online video service that primarily shows reruns from major broadcasters, is getting into the business of original programming.

In the first of several projects, the company teamed up with Morgan Spurlock, the documentary maker who criticized McDonald's and fast-food lifestyles in "Super Size Me." They are creating "A Day in the Life" -- six half-hour episodes where filmmakers follow around famous people such as billionaire Richard Branson.

Hulu's first foray into actual production follows a decision in March by another online video service, Netflix, to buy rights to "House of Cards." Netflix Inc. ordered 26 hourlong episodes and plans to start showing them late next year.

Since its debut in 2008, Hulu has primarily shown reruns of TV programs provided by ABC, Fox and NBC, the broadcasters owned by Hulu's media company parents -- The Walt Disney Co., News Corp. and Comcast Corp.

Andy Forssell, Hulu's senior vice president of content acquisition, said Hulu isn't turning into a competitor of its network-owning parents. Shows will have a smaller budget and will be tailored to Hulu's online audience, he said.

"In most cases, it's going to be something that came from the traditional network or studio partner, but . . . for whatever reason is not getting made," Forssell said.

Hulu has become one of the biggest purveyors of television shows and movies on the Internet through its free site and via an $8-a-month subscription plan that gives users a deeper library of back episodes. -- AP