Netflix paid $587M for Ben Affleck's AI startup

Netflix has disclosed that it spent $587 million in cash to acquire InterPositive, a startup co-founded by actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck. The deal, which was finalized in the first quarter of this year, was revealed in a regulatory filing by the streaming giant. InterPositive specializes in AI-driven filmmaking tools, including software that can generate visual effects and assist in editing and post-production. The acquisition marks Netflix's largest investment in artificial intelligence technology to date. The move is expected to accelerate Netflix's use of AI in content creation, potentially reducing production costs and timelines. Affleck, who has been a vocal advocate for AI in filmmaking, will reportedly join Netflix as a consultant to help integrate the technology into the company's production pipeline. Industry analysts suggest that the deal could give Netflix a competitive edge in the streaming wars, as rivals like Disney and Amazon also invest heavily in AI. However, the acquisition has sparked debate among filmmakers and unions about the impact of AI on jobs in the entertainment industry. Netflix has not yet announced specific projects that will use InterPositive's technology, but the company is expected to begin testing the tools on select original productions later this year.