Ben Affleck sells his artificial intelligence post-production company to Netflix.

In a surprising turn of events, Ben Affleck has announced the sale of his artificial intelligence company, InterPositive, to Netflix, highlighting a significant shift in his perspective on technology that once left him feeling apprehensive. Initially wary of AI, Affleck has now embraced it, recognizing its potential to aid the creative process in filmmaking.

The acquisition details reveal that Netflix has purchased InterPositive for an undisclosed amount. This postproduction startup had remained relatively under the radar, with Affleck himself downplaying the transformative abilities of AI in the creative sectors. Earlier this year, during a conversation with podcaster Joe Rogan, Affleck expressed skepticism about AI’s capacity to produce “anything meaningful,” arguing that it wouldn’t be able to create films “from whole cloth.”

Nevertheless, in a video announcement regarding the sale, Affleck reflected on how his apprehensions about AI have transformed into admiration for what he now considers a “really meaningful innovation.” This change underscores a growing recognition of the potential benefits artificial intelligence can offer the filmmaking process.

Affleck was quick to clarify that InterPositive does not focus on generating content like Google’s Veo3 or OpenAI’s Sora; rather, it facilitates essential tasks within the post-production phase. The startup’s tools are specifically tailored to work with a film or television production’s existing footage, commonly referred to as “dailies.” This AI technology assists filmmakers by resolving a variety of issues, including adjusting improper lighting, reframing shots, and even removing safety wires from stunt performers.

The media landscape is gradually shifting towards the integration of AI technologies for storytelling and content creation, indicating a significant departure from Hollywood’s earlier fears concerning the potential for AI to impact creative careers negatively and infringe on intellectual property rights. Such developments are exemplified by Disney’s recent announcement to allow OpenAI to utilize characters from its renowned franchises, including those from Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel, in the Sora AI video generator.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, expressed her belief in the transformative power of these new tools, stating, “We believe new tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it or replace the work of writers, directors, actors, and crews.” This perspective aligns with Affleck’s vision for InterPositive and positions Netflix at the forefront of innovation in entertainment.

Interestingly, the acquisition comes on the heels of Netflix’s decision to withdraw from a highly competitive bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming assets. This withdrawal followed a rival offer from Paramount Skydance that was deemed more favorable, despite Netflix initially presenting an impressive offer of $82.7 billion (£62 billion).

Affleck, who previously directed the critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning film Argo, founded InterPositive in 2022 with the goal of developing an AI model capable of understanding visual logic and maintaining editorial consistency amid the complexities of real-world production. He emphasized that the technology was designed with built-in constraints to safeguard artistic intent, ensuring that the creative decisions remain firmly in the hands of the filmmakers.

As part of the sale, Affleck will transition to a role at Netflix, serving as a senior advisor. This move not only highlights Affleck’s continued involvement in the industry but also demonstrates his commitment to fostering the responsible use of technology in creative fields. The sale of InterPositive represents a milestone in both his career and the evolving relationship between AI and the entertainment industry.