NEW YORK • Reclusive pop icon Prince was in talks to make a reality television series based at his storyed home and studio, Paisley Park, before his death, Netflix said on Monday.

Until his death in April from an accidental overdose of painkillers, the private estate and music complex in Chanhassen, Minnesota, had mythical status and The Purple One occasionally opened the gates for parties.

Maya Washington, a photographer who befriended Prince in the last years of his life, revealed the reality TV project in the latest issue of GQ Magazine, but said the singer had mixed feelings about it.

"I'm (like), 'Why not? You're so funny - why don't you want anyone to see your sense of humour?' And he would shut it down: 'Maya, I can't be funny. I have to save the world,'" she said.

Netflix confirmed the talks, with a spokesman saying: "We did have discussions about it, but sadly for all of us, it did not come to fruition prior to his passing."

The programme would have broken fresh ground for Netflix, the on-demand film and television leader that has invested heavily in original series, but stayed away from celebrity reality shows.

Prince built Paisley Park in Chanhassen after the success of 1984's Purple Rain, developing a state-of-the-art recording centre with four main studios.

Top artists such as Madonna, Stevie Wonder and R.E.M. would record at Paisley Park, but Prince eventually narrowed its use to himself and select artists.

After his death, his estate opened Paisley Park to guided tours as a way to generate revenue.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE