Hollywood star Ben Affleck states that his company InterPositive’s AI solutions “eliminate all the logistical, challenging, technical aspects that often hinder” the filmmaking journey.
Clive Mason/Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Clive Mason/Getty Images
Netflix has announced its acquisition of Ben Affleck’s AI-driven filmmaking tool company, InterPositive, though the financial details remain undisclosed.
In a video accompanying the announcement, Affleck explained that InterPositive’s technology allows filmmakers to create their own AI models based on footage they’ve already captured, streamlining complex processes that would typically be labor-intensive.
“You can leverage your own model to eliminate wires on stunts, recompose a shot, recover missed scenes, adjust lighting, or enhance backgrounds,” said the Academy Award-winning director, producer, and actor, who has also taken on the role of a senior advisor at Netflix.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which represents Hollywood’s technical workers—including camera operators, lighting crews, and sound technicians—declined to comment on the merger when contacted by NPR.
This agreement marks yet another significant collaboration for Affleck and Netflix. Earlier this week, Affleck and Matt Damon’s production venture, Artists Equity, secured a substantial multi-year partnership with the streaming service, granting Netflix priority in developing and distributing all their upcoming streaming projects. Affleck has previously collaborated with Netflix on several films, most recently The Rip, a thriller in which he and Damon star as Miami narcotics officers uncovering a secret stash of drug money.
Despite his enthusiasm for technology, Affleck is committed to ensuring that human creativity remains at the forefront of the filmmaking process. He is among the many industry professionals who have joined the Creators Coalition on AI, formed last year to promote discussion about AI’s impact on the entertainment field.
“This is not a blanket rejection of AI,” the coalition stated. “The technology is here to stay. We are advocating for responsible, human-centered innovation.”
According to Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s chief product and technology officer, “The InterPositive team is joining Netflix due to our shared belief in innovation that empowers storytellers rather than replaces them.” She emphasized that the partnership aims to foster a future in entertainment where technology assists in story creation while ensuring that individuals — and their creativity, skills, and insights — remain central to exceptional storytelling.
This latest agreement follows closely on the heels of Netflix’s decision to withdraw from acquiring Warner Brothers Discovery, with Paramount ultimately agreeing to a deal valued at approximately $110 billion. The Warner Brothers Discovery board deemed Paramount’s offer “superior” to an earlier, $83 billion arrangement with Netflix.
Kimberly A. Owczarski, an associate professor at Texas Christian University who studies media franchises, noted in a communication to NPR that Netflix’s decision to partner with a filmmaker of Affleck’s stature sends a positive signal to an industry grappling with the challenges posed by the increasing integration of AI in entertainment.
“His reputation as a prominent star, director, and producer adds significant weight to his call for responsible AI use in filmmaking,” Owczarski remarked.
Jennifer Vanasco edited this piece.
