Netflix Expands Its Horizons by Acquiring Ben Affleck’s AI Company InterPositive
Less than a week after withdrawing from the bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix has announced the acquisition of InterPositive, an artificial intelligence firm co-founded by actor Ben Affleck. The deal marks a significant move as the streaming giant seeks to enhance its production capabilities through innovative technology.
InterPositive, which specializes in developing tools tailored for filmmakers, had been operating in stealth mode until the acquisition. As part of the agreement, the company’s 16 employees will be integrated into Netflix’s workforce, with Affleck assuming the role of senior advisor.
The decision to acquire InterPositive aligns with Netflix executives’ recent commentary on the potential of AI to enhance content quality. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted in 2024 that “there’s a better business and a bigger business in making content 10% better than it is making it 50% cheaper.” However, this acquisition faces scrutiny, particularly as above-the-line unions are entering talks with studios and streaming platforms, including Netflix, aimed at addressing concerns regarding the implications of AI in the industry, especially following the strikes of 2023.
While Netflix has withheld details on the financial terms of the acquisition, the growing valuations in the AI sector are notable, with companies like Luma AI and Runway recently reaching multi-billion-dollar figures based on funding rounds.
Affleck expressed that his interest in AI began in 2022, initially sparking fear about the role of technology in production. As he became more acquainted with AI developments, he adjusted InterPositive’s focus to ensure that technology preserves the essence of storytelling. “We also need to preserve what makes storytelling human, which is judgment,” Affleck stated.
The tools developed by InterPositive do not rely on text-to-video prompts; instead, they utilize a database of visual data generated by human actors in secure environments to train proprietary models. The nature of this full acquisition means that Netflix will have exclusive access to InterPositive’s technology, contrasting with licensing agreements, such as Disney’s recent pact with OpenAI.
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a trustworthy relationship with the creative community, advocating for tools that expand artistic freedom rather than replacing the work of writers, directors, and crews. Chief Technology and Product Officer Elizabeth Stone reiterated this sentiment, stating that the acquisition is in line with Netflix’s philosophy that innovation should empower storytellers.
