Streaming giant Netflix has made waves by shelling out an eye-watering $587 million for InterPositive, Ben Affleck’s AI filmmaking startup. The acquisition, announced in March with the lofty goal of preserving human creativity, aims to leverage AI tools that can enhance footage, making up for those pesky real-world production hiccups.

The deal, which saw the entire InterPositive team join Netflix, was shrouded in mystery until now. With Affleck stepping into a senior advisory role, it’s clear that the streaming giant is keen to explore AI’s transformative potential in the film industry. Around 300 of Netflix’s titles are already using generative AI, suggesting a significant shift in how content is produced and edited.

But what does this mean for the future of filmmaking? As AI takes on more creative tasks, will directors find themselves fighting not just time and budget constraints but also existential threats to their craft?

The move has sparked debates about the role of technology in art. Will human input become a mere afterthought when AI can seamlessly fill gaps and improve footage beyond recognition? Or will this be an opportunity for creativity to flourish, with AI acting as a powerful tool rather than a replacement?