Streaming giant Netflix is poised to acquire InterPositive, an artificial intelligence film startup established by Ben Affleck. Sources close to the matter indicate the transaction could be valued at as much as $600 million.
The bulk of the payment is expected to be in cash, potentially positioning this as one of Netflix's most significant acquisitions to date. While the reported headline figure is substantial, initial payments are understood to be lower, with further amounts contingent upon InterPositive meeting specific performance benchmarks.
Netflix has yet to release official details regarding the financial aspects of the agreement. This development follows the company's earlier unsuccessful attempt to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which would have been a much larger corporate takeover.
The primary motivation behind Netflix's interest in InterPositive is to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into its film production processes. The startup has developed sophisticated tools enabling filmmakers to alter existing footage, including the removal of unwanted elements or the modification of background scenes post-filming.
Evidence of the technology's utility has already emerged, with director David Fincher reportedly utilizing InterPositive's tools on an upcoming film starring Brad Pitt. This highlights the growing potential for AI-driven editing in high-profile film projects.
This acquisition also signifies a notable investment in AI-focused ventures within Hollywood, as various studios are increasingly exploring artificial intelligence to streamline production costs and boost operational efficiency.
In parallel, streaming competitor Amazon has been building internal teams to implement AI across its film and television productions. Similarly, The Walt Disney Company has recently entered into a commercial partnership with OpenAI to investigate the application of such technologies.
However, the increasing integration of AI into the filmmaking process has also sparked industry-wide concerns. Many professionals in Hollywood express apprehension that AI could lead to job displacement or that creative works might be used to train AI systems without adequate compensation.
Affleck himself has stressed that InterPositive's technology is designed to augment, rather than replace, the roles of filmmakers. The platform's functionality relies on directors first capturing film footage, which the software then uses to make edits or visual enhancements based on the creators' provided material.
"It doesn’t train on films without permission or generate new projects without the base film," Affleck stated in a video released by Netflix. He emphasized that the technology aims to enhance traditional filmmaking methods.
He further commented, "The filmmaking process really since its inception has been one long technological progression. We’ve always been seeking to make it feel more realistic, more honest, and InterPositive I hope is another iteration or step in keeping with that long and storied history."
Affleck developed InterPositive largely in secrecy, securing support from RedBird Capital Partners. After several years of work on the technology, he began seeking external investment in 2025, engaging with venture capital firms and major Hollywood studios.
These discussions eventually led to Netflix's pursuit of the company as an in- house production asset. This represents a strategic shift for the streaming service, which has historically favoured developing new capabilities internally over making substantial acquisitions.
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