Ben Affleck Sells His AI Startup to Netflix, Explaining Evolution of His Views on the Technology

Academy Award-winning actor and director Ben Affleck has unexpectedly sold his artificial intelligence company, InterPositive, to streaming giant Netflix. The sum of the deal has not been disclosed.

InterPositive specializes in post-production tools. As Affleck himself noted in a video statement about the deal, his attitude towards AI has undergone a significant shift. While he had previously expressed skepticism in an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan about the ability of neural networks to “write anything meaningful” or create a film “from scratch,” he now calls the technology a “truly significant innovation.”

The actor emphasized that his company is not involved in generating video from text prompts (like Sora or Veo) but instead creates tools to assist the film crew. “It’s not about creating something from nothing,” Affleck explained. “Our programs learn from specific footage and help solve practical problems: reframing a shot, correcting lighting, or removing the wires that stunt performers were hanging from.”

The acquisition of InterPositive aligns with Netflix’s strategy of integrating AI into production processes. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, stated that the platform views new technologies as a tool to expand creative possibilities, not as a replacement for writers, directors, and actors.

Affleck founded InterPositive in 2022. As part of the agreement, he will not only sell the asset but will also join Netflix as a senior advisor.