Netflix Acquires Ben Affleck's AI Filmmaking Startup InterPositive
Netflix has acquired InterPositive, a stealth AI startup founded by Ben Affleck in 2022 that builds AI-powered tools for filmmakers. The entire 16-person team joins Netflix, with Affleck staying on as a senior adviser.
InterPositive is not another text-to-video generator. "It's not about text-prompting or generating something from nothing," Affleck explained. Instead, the system builds an AI model from a production's existing dailies and lets filmmakers use it in post-production for tasks like color grading, relighting shots, and adding visual effects.
Netflix will offer the technology to its creative partners but has no plans to sell it commercially. The acquisition reflects a growing trend in Hollywood: rather than debating whether AI belongs in filmmaking, studios are acquiring the specific tools that keep directors and cinematographers in control of the creative process.
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria emphasized that the tools are about expanding creative freedom, not replacing writers, directors, actors, or crews. CTO Elizabeth Stone added that most generative AI video platforms today don't operate from a filmmaker's perspective, while InterPositive was purpose-built for that workflow.
The deal comes one week after Netflix exited its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's studios, choosing not to counter Paramount Skydance's winning $31/share offer. The InterPositive acquisition suggests Netflix is investing in production technology rather than acquiring more content libraries.
