Netflix acquires Ben Affleck’s AI startup to revolutionise film production

Netflix has announced the acquisition of InterPositive, an AI filmmaking startup founded by Hollywood veteran Ben Affleck, in a strategic move to bolster its production ecosystem.

The deal, the terms of which remain undisclosed, sees the streaming giant absorbing the firm’s 16-member specialist staff and its proprietary technology.

Netflix intends to integrate these tools to assist its creative partners rather than replacing human talent, maintaining that filmmakers will remain "central creative decision makers."

Enhancing the creative process

Unlike traditional generative AI that creates content from scratch, InterPositive focuses on refining existing footage. The system uses production dailies to assist with post-production tasks such as colour correction, relighting, and visual effects.

Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria emphasised that the technology is designed to expand creative freedom.

She stated that creators will gain "more options and better control while protecting their artistic vision through the use of AI technology."

A filmmaker-first approach

The startup was established by Affleck in 2022 after he identified gaps in how early AI models struggled with technical nuances like lens distortions and lighting variations.

Elizabeth Stone, Netflix Chief Product and Technology Officer, noted that the objective is achieving "superior production standards through better methods which would not compromise filmmaking expenses or timeline."

No commercial sale: The tools will be exclusive to Netflix's internal creative partners.

Staff retention: All 16 InterPositive employees will join the Netflix team.

Focus area: The AI specifically targets post-production consistency and efficiency.