Netflix Acquires Ben Affleck's AI Postproduction Startup InterPositive

Netflix has acquired InterPositive, an artificial intelligence postproduction startup founded by actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck. The acquisition aims to integrate AI tools into Netflix's content creation process, enhancing creative freedom without replacing human creativity.

The deal was announced on Thursday morning, with financial terms remaining undisclosed. InterPositive specializes in developing AI-powered tools designed to assist filmmakers during the post-production phase. These tools are trained on a production’s own footage and help address issues such as reframing shots, adjusting lighting, and removing wires from stunt performers.

Affleck initially expressed skepticism about AI's role in creative processes but eventually embraced the technology after recognizing its potential to support rather than replace human creativity. In a video announcing the transaction, Affleck stated that InterPositive’s tools are designed to maintain cinematic rules and protect creative intent while addressing real-world production challenges.

Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria emphasized that new tools should expand creative freedom without replacing the work of writers, directors, actors, and crews. Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s chief product and technology officer, echoed this sentiment, stating that innovation should empower storytellers rather than replace them.

Affleck will join Netflix as a senior advisor as part of the deal. The acquisition comes at a time when Hollywood is increasingly warming to AI for content creation, despite earlier concerns about job displacement and intellectual property rights. Disney recently announced plans to allow OpenAI to use its characters in the Sora AI video generator, further indicating the industry’s shift towards embracing AI technologies.

In an accompanying video, Ben Affleck explained that InterPositive's technology helps filmmakers build their own proprietary AI models based on scenes they've already shot. These models can then be used to solve laborious details such as removing wires from stunts, reframing shots, getting missed shots, shaping lighting, and enhancing backgrounds.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the main union supporting Hollywood's technical workers, declined to comment on the acquisition. Affleck has also signed a major multi-year partnership with Netflix through his production company, Artists Equity, giving Netflix first dibs on developing and distributing all future streaming-focused projects.

Affleck is part of the Creators Coalition on AI, which advocates for responsible, human-centered innovation in the entertainment industry. The coalition emphasizes that while AI technology is here to stay, it should be used responsibly and with a focus on empowering humans rather than replacing them.