Netflix could pay up to 600 million for Ben Affleck’s AI film start-up

The platform is backing InterPositive, the company founded by Ben Affleck, to develop new artificial intelligence tools for film production.

Netflix could reportedly pay up to 600 million dollars for InterPositive, the technology start-up founded by Ben Affleck focused on developing artificial intelligence tools for cinema. According to a report by Bloomberg, the final value of the deal will depend on the company achieving certain performance targets included in the agreement.

The streaming platform announced the acquisition on 5 March, although it did not publicly disclose the financial details at the time. According to the report, the initial payment would be lower than 600 million dollars, but investors and Affleck himself could reach that total amount if the agreed milestones are met.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2022, InterPositive has largely operated quietly while developing an AI-based system designed to integrate into film post-production workflows. The technology can generate digital models from filmed material — known as dailies — and use them for tasks such as colour correction, virtual lighting, image compositing and visual effects integration.

Following the acquisition, InterPositive’s full team of 16 people, including engineers, researchers and creative specialists, will join Netflix. Ben Affleck will also take on the role of senior adviser, contributing to the development of new creative tools for filmmakers working with the platform.

Netflix plans to make the technology available to its creative partners to enhance production workflows, although the company does not currently intend to commercialise it as a standalone product. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, noted that the system will give filmmakers “more options, more control and stronger protection for their creative vision.”

In a statement, Affleck welcomed the agreement and the future of the technology: “I couldn’t be happier that this work will continue with the Netflix team. I’m excited to give the creative community access to what we’re building and to the future we want to develop together.”

The move comes shortly after Netflix stepped back from the race to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios and streaming assets, shifting its focus towards strengthening its long-term technological and creative strategy.