Netflix has acquired Ben Affleck's AI company, which could reduce production costs by as much as 50%.

Netflix is heavily investing in AI and has just acquired the company InterPositive, founded by Ben Affleck. According to patent documents, the technology of this company could significantly reduce the production costs of films and series in some cases by up to half. This shows that AI is no longer just an addition, but is starting to genuinely change the way content is created in Hollywood.

Even 50% cheaper special effects and millions in savings for film studios

According to the assumptions of InterPositive, the biggest savings are expected to relate to special effects (up to 50%), extras and backgrounds (up to 70%), and various production departments. In one example, the company suggests that it could reduce the production budget by around 7 million dollars for a project worth over 30 million. Overall, AI could reduce the costs of the entire production by 10–20%, which with massive Hollywood budgets translates to billions in savings.

AI will change film production, but it also raises concerns about jobs

While Netflix and Affleck emphasise that AI is meant to support creators, not replace them, the numbers speak for themselves. Automation of processes such as visual effects or background production can significantly reduce the demand for certain jobs in the industry. Affleck himself previously admitted that the VFX sector could be heavily impacted by these changes.

Officially, Netflix talks about "enhancing the creative process," not cutting costs. However, the scale of potential savings explains why the company was willing to pay even hundreds of millions of dollars for this technology. AI can accelerate production, simplify processes, and enable the creation of more projects.

AI is entering Hollywood for real. The technology can reduce costs and open doors for new creators, but at the same time, it will change the job market in the film industry.

source: deadline.com