Netflix Acquires Ben Affleck’s AI Filmmaking Company, InterPositive

In a move signaling a deeper investment in the intersection of technology and filmmaking, Netflix has acquired InterPositive, an AI-powered filmmaking technology company founded by actor and director Ben Affleck in 2022. The acquisition, announced on March 5, 2026, brings InterPositive’s team of 16 engineers, researchers, and creatives into Netflix, with Affleck taking on the role of Senior Advisor.

A Creator-Led Approach to AI

InterPositive’s core mission – to develop AI tools that empower filmmakers and protect creative choices – aligns with Netflix’s long-held belief that technology should serve storytellers. According to Netflix, the acquisition is about investing in creator-led innovation that keeps filmmakers at the center of the process. “Our relationship with artists has always been grounded in trust: supporting the full range of their creativity and ensuring they have the power to decide how their films and shows are made,” stated Bela Bajaria, Netflix Chief Content Officer in a press release.

Beyond Generative AI: Focusing on Filmmaking Technique

Unlike some AI tools focused on generating content from text prompts, InterPositive’s technology is designed to enhance existing filmmaking workflows. Affleck explained that the tools are “purpose-built to represent and protect all the qualities that produce a great story,” focusing on nuances of filmmaking and addressing real-world production challenges. The company developed a proprietary dataset on a closed soundstage, leading to a model trained to understand visual logic and editorial consistency, even when faced with issues like missing shots or inconsistent lighting as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Affleck’s Vision and Netflix’s Strategy

Affleck has been vocal about the potential of AI to lower barriers to entry in filmmaking and enable more diverse voices. He believes AI can handle the “more laborious, less creative and more costly aspects of filmmaking,” freeing up filmmakers to focus on artistic vision according to Variety. This acquisition represents a rare instance of Netflix acquiring a company rather than building technology internally, highlighting the unique value InterPositive brings to the streaming giant.

What’s Next?

Netflix intends to offer InterPositive’s technology to its creative partners, with no plans for commercial release. The move underscores Netflix’s commitment to supporting filmmakers with cutting-edge tools even as prioritizing human creativity and artistic control. Elizabeth Stone, Netflix Chief Product and Technology Officer, emphasized that the goal is to “empower storytellers, not replace them” .

Affleck’s next directorial feature, Animals, starring Affleck, Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson, will be released on Netflix later this year, further solidifying his relationship with the streaming platform.