Netflix has announced its acquisition of InterPositive, an innovative artificial intelligence company in the filmmaking industry, founded by acclaimed actor and director Ben Affleck. While the financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, it marks a significant move for the streaming giant.
Based in Los Angeles, InterPositive has pioneered AI tools that aim to revolutionize the production and post-production processes for filmmakers. As part of the acquisition, all 16 members of the startup will become part of the Netflix team, with Affleck stepping into the role of senior adviser.
In a video message accompanying the announcement, Affleck highlighted the transformative potential of this technology. He explained that the AI tools enable filmmakers to utilize footage from their projects to build custom models for refining or completing shots.
“The technology allows you to use your own model to remove wires from stunts, reframe a shot, capture a missed shot, manipulate lighting, and enhance backgrounds,” Affleck elaborated.
He emphasized that the system is meant to augment the creative process for filmmakers, assisting them rather than creating content independently.
Affleck said the system is designed to support filmmakers rather than generate content from scratch.
“It’s not about text-prompting or generating something from nothing,” Affleck said. “AI, people mostly think of it as making something from nothing: ‘I’m gonna type something into a computer and it’s gonna give me a movie.’ That’s not what this is.”
Netflix executives said the technology aligns with the company’s approach to artificial intelligence.
“Our approach to AI has always been focused on meaningfully serving the needs of the creative community and our members,” Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s chief product and technology officer said in a statement. “The InterPositive team is joining Netflix because of our shared belief that innovation should empower storytellers, not replace them.”
Netflix said it plans to offer the tools to its creative partners but does not intend to sell the technology commercially.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, said the company views new technology as a way to expand creative freedom.
“We believe new tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it or replace the work of writers, directors, actors and crews,” Bajaria said. “Ben and his team at InterPositive are part of a long tradition in our industry of artists leading the way in how innovation is used in storytelling. Their work is about giving filmmakers more choices, more control and more protection for their vision.”
The acquisition is the latest collaboration between Netflix and Affleck. Earlier this week, Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company, Artists Equity, signed a multi-year partnership with the streamer to develop and distribute future streaming projects.
