Netflix brings Ben Affleck’s AI startup InterPositive on board
Netflix has acquired Hollywood star Ben Affleck’s AI startup InterPositive. The 16-member team of engineers, researchers, and creatives will move entirely to the streaming service, while Affleck will serve as a senior advisor, reports heise. The technology develops AI tools for film production, which the streaming giant plans to make available to its partners. There are no plans for commercial distribution. The terms of the acquisition remain confidential.
“Supporting creatives, not replacing them”
InterPositive focuses on post-production and initially trains AI models based on real footage. The systems later add missing shots, enhance backgrounds, change lighting and image sections, or add special effects. Affleck emphasizes that the tools do not generate films on their own, but rather support filmmakers in typical work steps. The systems understand cinematic rules and workflows, while creative decisions remain with humans.
Netflix executives Elizabeth Stone and Bela Bajaria emphasize in the announcement that the goal is to “support creatives, not replace them.” However, they fail to mention that such tools reduce the amount of work required in post-production and could therefore affect certain professional groups in the long term.
Netflix and Co. are increasingly relying on AI
The InterPositive acquisition is part of a broader shift. Last year, Amazon founded an AI studio that develops tools for film and series production. The first results of a collaboration with industry partners are expected in May. The goal is to reduce production costs. Prime Video is also testing AI-generated video recaps for series.
At the end of 2025, Disney announced a partnership with OpenAI that will allow users to create clips featuring characters from Marvel or Star Wars using the Sora video generator. Content based on real actors or their voices will remain excluded. Disney will also receive privileged access to OpenAI’s technology to develop new content for Disney+.
