Netflix confirmed it paid $587m for Ben Affleck’s AI film startup InterPositive. Affleck founded it in 2022 to augment existing filmmaking workflows: ▫️directors can train a small model from their own dailies ▫️improves the post-production editorial process ▫️more quickly mix, color and finish films (use their trained model to change shots, add props, enhance backgrounds or remove visuals while keeping consistency) In a sit down vid with Netflix execs, Affleck mentions “getting more episodes” of your favourite TV shows with his tech. If Affleck hits the full $587m deal (based on milestones), this looks to be Netflix’s largest tech acquisition ever. Whether or not the tech is worth that much, Netflix is getting the Affleck halo of a well-known (but still skeptical) AI practitioner. He has been Hollywood’s go-to takesman (eg. Rogan podcast) on how AI can or can not change Hollywood (he doesn’t think it has creative chops for scriptwriting and thinks unions will protect a lot of acting/writing jobs for foreseeable future). If Netflix wants to ramp its use of AI, Affleck’s narrow view of the technology’s use makes it less threatening and helps with creative talent (David Fincher already using it for Brad Pitt film, probably the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood sequel). “It’s not about text prompting or building something from nothing,” Affleck says. “You’re building a model from your own material.” *** Variety on the deal: Netflix CCO and CTO full interview Affleck:

Great energy at today's CineGen, where AI meets filmmaking! Nothing beats connecting with the creators and filmmakers face-to-face — sharing ideas, aligning on what’s next, and building the momentum that drives us forward. Huge shoutout to Andrew “Squid” Montanez, Jason Kent Carpenter, and Tony Shyu for making this happen. Your support made all the difference. Excited for what’s ahead. Let’s keep building! #TopviewAI# #AIVideo# #AIFilmMaking# #GenerativeVideo# #LosAngelesCreators# #AICreators#