Ben Affleck Shares His Thoughts on AI and Job Fears Ahead of ‘Animals’ Release

Ben Affleck has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over three decades, but one of his more unexpected ventures occurred quietly. In 2022, he founded the AI company InterPositive, which Netflix acquired in March 2026 for $587 million, as confirmed in a July SEC filing.

As part of the acquisition, Affleck took on the role of senior adviser at Netflix. InterPositive specializes in developing tools that automate tasks such as color grading, relighting, and continuity fixes. However, the acquisition faced criticism, with Rest of World reporting that it could jeopardize the jobs of visual effects workers from Los Angeles to Mumbai.

This backdrop sets the stage for Affleck’s recent comments, where he expressed that the fears surrounding job loss and existential threats posed by AI are largely exaggerated. He shared his views during a discussion with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw at the Bloomberg Screentime summit in Los Angeles on September 30.

Affleck argues that as filmmakers become more familiar with AI, it transforms from an intimidating concept into a manageable tool, akin to previous technological advancements in film and television. He specifically rejected the notion that AI could eliminate a significant number of white-collar jobs.

He also shared his observations from film sets, noting that AI has not been used to merely cut costs or perform unethical actions. Instead, productions utilizing AI are maintaining their workforce and, in some cases, even expanding it. According to Fortune, Labor Department data indicates that the industry lost 49,000 jobs between 2016 and 2026, marking a 21% decline.

Despite his optimistic outlook, Affleck is not without concerns. He expressed worries about children in schools, the concept of learned helplessness, and the responsible use of technology. He dismissed fears reminiscent of Skynet, believing that AI will enhance rather than replace the filmmaking process.

Affleck has a personal connection to this discussion, as his new Netflix thriller ‘Animals,’ which he directed, co-wrote, and stars in alongside Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson, is set to premiere on October 9. In the film, he portrays a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped.

While Affleck confirmed that AI was utilized in various aspects of the film, he refrained from providing specific details, likening filmmaking to magic where revealing the tricks would spoil the illusion. He emphasized that ‘Animals’ serves as a prime example of ethical AI use, as it remains a deeply human story.

Netflix has articulated its AI strategy in similar terms. Chief content officer Bela Bajaria stated that new tools should enhance creative freedom rather than replace the contributions of writers, directors, actors, and crew members. Affleck added that he does not foresee a future where AI could generate a film that resonates with audiences simply from a prompt.

The debate surrounding AI’s impact on the industry is ongoing. Workers concerned about automation may reference the same deal that converted Affleck into a supporter, while advocates will highlight productions that retain their crews. ‘Animals’ will be available on Netflix on October 9, allowing viewers to evaluate the outcome for themselves.

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