Ben Affleck’s AI Startup Acquired by Netflix for $587 Million

Netflix has invested over $587 million to acquire InterPositive, the artificial intelligence startup founded by Ben Affleck in 2022.

As reported by Variety, Netflix’s Form 10-Q filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that the company made this significant acquisition in March. Although the report does not specify the name of the acquired company, the purchase of InterPositive was officially announced on March 5. A Bloomberg report suggested that Netflix’s total expenditure could have reached up to $600 million.

In the announcement on March 5, Netflix described its acquisition of InterPositive as a commitment to fostering “creator-led innovation that prioritizes filmmakers.”

Affleck shared his insights in the same announcement, stating: “In 2022, I invested considerable time observing the initial emergence of AI in production. As a filmmaker, I recognized the shortcomings of these models. For artists to effectively use these tools in narrating the stories they dedicate their lives to, these models must be purposefully designed to safeguard and embody the essential qualities that contribute to a compelling narrative.”

In a video accompanying the acquisition announcement, Affleck clarified that InterPositive’s focus is “not about text prompting or creating something from scratch.”

Rather, he explained, the technology developed by InterPositive constructs a model tailored specifically for each film project. This model is utilized during post-production stages, including mixing and color grading. Affleck emphasized that this approach allows filmmakers to concentrate on performances in real-time.

According to a report by Deadline in April, a patent application filed by Affleck in 2024 indicated that InterPositive’s technology could result in “significant” cost savings. It has the potential to “replace” expenses associated with elements such as background actors, splinter units, and reshoots, potentially achieving a “20% reduction in scheduling and physical production,” along with a 50% decrease in visual effects costs.