Netflix buys Ben Affleck’s AI startup for almost 600 million

Netflix buys Ben Affleck’s AI startup for $587 million, continuing to rely on artificial intelligence in film production.

Marilla Sicilia/Archivio Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

Netflix has put around $587 million in cash on the table to acquire the AI ​​startup InterPositive. This emerges from a current announcement from the streaming company, which TechCrunch also reported on.

AI should support filmmakers

InterPositive was founded by actor and director Ben Affleck, among others. The startup’s technology is intended to help film teams, especially in post-production, for example when shots are missing, backgrounds need to be replaced or lighting errors need to be corrected. When announcing the acquisition in March, Affleck emphasized that the software should support human creativity, not replace it.

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Affleck remains on board

With the deal, the entire InterPositive team is moving to Netflix. Affleck himself takes on the role of senior advisor. Netflix did not initially provide financial details.

Bloomberg had already estimated the purchase price at up to $600 million. New documents show the purchase cost $587 million.

Generative AI is becoming commonplace at Netflix

The current annual report also shows that Netflix is ​​increasingly integrating AI into its productions. Around 300 of the company’s films and series now use generative AI in production or post-production.