Netflix buys Ben Affleck's AI startup InterPositive for $587 million

Netflix disclosed that it paid $587 million in cash to acquire InterPositive, an artificial‑intelligence filmmaking startup co‑founded by actor Ben Affleck in 2022. The purchase, confirmed in a U.S. SEC 10‑Q filing, marks one of Netflix’s largest acquisitions and brings a team of about 16 engineers and filmmakers into the streaming giant. InterPositive develops AI tools that analyse a film’s visual style, lighting, continuity and shot composition to automatically correct missing footage, replace backgrounds, balance colour and address other post‑production challenges, aiming to cut costs and speed up complex visual effects work. Netflix plans to integrate the technology across its content pipeline, noting that roughly 300 titles already use generative AI in production or post‑production. Affleck will remain with Netflix as a senior adviser, providing a recognizable Hollywood presence for the venture. The deal reflects a broader industry trend of investing in AI to enhance efficiency while keeping creative decisions in human hands.