Netflix sees big savings with AI

Netflix's acquisition of Interpositive, the AI filmmaking startup founded by Ben Affleck, signals a strategic shift towards refining content production efficiency. Interpositive's AI models are trained on a production's dailies, allowing for tasks like color correction, relighting, and VFX adjustments. This differs from other AI tools that rely on vast public datasets. The AI is designed to address common filmmaking challenges, such as lighting inconsistencies and missing shots, while preserving the filmmakers' artistic intent. Affleck emphasized that the goal is to empower creatives, not replace them, by automating tedious fixes. Netflix executives have stated that the focus remains on supporting storytellers and expanding creative freedom. Interpositive's tools can handle tasks like cable removal, relighting, and subtle background swaps, potentially saving significant VFX hours. The system's focus on narrow, critical post-production tasks ensures that human editors retain final control. This approach may alleviate concerns from unions about job displacement. The acquisition gives Netflix exclusive access to Interpositive's technology, preventing other studios from using it. This move aligns with Netflix's trend of vertical integration, following previous investments in production soundstages and animation pipelines. The company plans to demonstrate the technology publicly at an upcoming Tudum Tech showcase.