Netflix buys Ben Affleck's AI firm to slash film production costs by 20%
Netflix has acquired InterPositive, an AI firm founded by Ben Affleck, in a deal worth up to $600 million. The technology promises to cut production costs by as much as 20%, reshaping how films and series are made. The tools will now be used exclusively on Netflix's in-house projects. InterPositive's AI solutions target below-the-line production expenses, which include visual effects, background actors, and stand-ins. The company claims its tools can reduce these costs by 10% to 20% overall. For one unidentified film with a $32.1 million budget, savings reached $7 million.
Visual effects costs could drop by 50% with the new technology. Background actors and stand-ins might see expenses fall by up to 70%. These reductions could translate into billions in savings for major studios. A 20% cut in original content spending alone could free up $8.43 billion to $16.86 billion across the industry.
Ben Affleck described the AI's role as removing barriers for new filmmakers. He stated it would streamline labour-intensive, costly, and less creative aspects of production. The acquisition also includes performance-based payouts, allowing Netflix to share in the cost savings generated by InterPositive's tools. The deal marks a shift in how studios approach production budgets. Netflix's exclusive use of InterPositive's AI could set a precedent for wider industry adoption. For now, the focus remains on cutting costs while maintaining creative control.
