Netflix has acquired InterPositive, a startup founded by Ben Affleck in 2022 that develops AI-powered tools for filmmakers. The entire 16-person team will join Netflix, and Affleck will serve as a senior adviser. The acquisition aims to provide filmmakers with enhanced creative control through specialized AI technology.
Netflix announced the acquisition of InterPositive on March 5, 2026, marking a departure from its usual approach of building technology in-house. The Los Angeles-based startup, which operated in stealth mode since its founding in 2022, focuses on AI tools that assist in postproduction tasks such as mixing and coloring, relighting shots, and adding visual effects. These tools build an AI model from an existing production's dailies, emphasizing filmmaker control rather than generative creation from text prompts.
Ben Affleck, in a video shared by Netflix, explained the technology's purpose: “It’s not about text-prompting or generating something from nothing... AI, people mostly think of it as making something from nothing: ‘I’m gonna type something into a computer and it’s gonna give me a movie.’ That’s not what this is.” He founded InterPositive after observing early AI applications in production, aiming to address shortcomings and protect human creativity. The startup filmed a proprietary dataset on a controlled soundstage to train its first AI model, which understands visual logic and editorial consistency while handling production challenges like missing shots or incorrect lighting. Built-in restraints ensure creative decisions remain with artists.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, stated that the tools will offer partners “more choices, more control and more protection for their vision.” She emphasized Netflix's commitment to trust with artists, ensuring AI expands creative freedom without replacing human roles. Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s chief product and technology officer, noted that unlike general generative AI platforms, InterPositive’s technology is designed for higher-quality content production, empowering storytellers.
Affleck expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “I couldn’t be happier for this work to continue with the team at Netflix.” The deal follows Netflix's recent decision not to pursue Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios after a competing bid. Netflix plans to provide access to the technology for its creative partners without commercial sales.
