Netflix has acquired InterPositive, an AI film production venture secretly founded by Ben Affleck in 2022. The company had been operating quietly for years before finally going public.

This acquisition provides Netflix with exclusive access to InterPositive's technology. This technology focuses on improving post-production workflows rather than generating video from text prompts.

What Does InterPositive's AI Actually Do?

Unlike many generative AI tools in the film industry, InterPositive does not create scenes or actors from prompts.

Instead, the system analyzes the actual footage of a production and assists filmmakers in correcting or enhancing the shots. The AI model was trained on a specialized dataset captured in a controlled sound studio designed to mimic real production environments.

According to Netflix and Affleck, the technology can assist with the following tasks:

  • Re-lighting scenes shot under poor lighting conditions
  • Changing backgrounds without compromising visual consistency
  • Removing visible stunt equipment or production gear
  • Recovering missed shots using existing footage

The system helps directors maintain a consistent visual style during post-production by focusing on understanding shot composition, lighting, and editing continuity.

InterPositive is Designed to Support Filmmakers, Not Replace Them

Affleck stated that the technology is designed to support filmmakers, not to automate their creative work. In a statement accompanying the announcement, he noted that the goal is to preserve human judgment in filmmaking.

"AI is something people often think of as making something out of nothing. That's not the case," Affleck said.

Rather than automatically producing films, these tools aim to solve technical challenges that typically require extensive manual work in editing and visual effects.

Netflix Acquires Exclusive Production Technology

Netflix confirmed that the entire 16-person team of InterPositive will be joining the company.

These tools will be made available to filmmakers working with Netflix but will not be commercially sold, providing the streaming platform with exclusive access to the technology for its own productions.

This acquisition also deepens Netflix's relationship with Affleck and his production company, Artists Equity, which already has projects on the platform.

The Timing of the Acquisition Raises Industry Questions in Hollywood

This acquisition comes at a sensitive time in Hollywood. Film and television unions are preparing for a new round of contract negotiations, and the use of AI in production continues to be one of the most controversial topics following the 2023 Hollywood strikes.

Although InterPositive does not produce actors or scripts, its tools could expedite tasks traditionally handled by visual effects and post-production teams.

As negotiations between studios and unions progress, it may become clearer whether the industry views the technology as a creative aid or a job-displacing tool.