Affleck Defends AI Use in 'Animals' as Ethical Post-Production Tool
Ben Affleck confirmed that artificial intelligence was used for unspecified post-production tasks in his new Netflix film, 'Animals,' which premieres on October 9. He emphasized that the technology was applied ethically to enhance a human-centric drama without replacing actors or using copyrighted material. This disclosure follows his March 2026 sale of his AI company, InterPositive, to Netflix for $587 million.
Key points
- Affleck stated he used AI for 'lots of things' in 'Animals' but declined to specify details to preserve the 'illusion of reality' for audiences.
- The film, which stars Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson, focuses on a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped, a plot Affleck described as 'very human.'
- Affleck rejected the idea of AI replacing human performers, arguing that the technology should serve as a tool for filmmakers rather than a replacement for creative labor.
- He criticized tech platforms that use copyrighted work without permission, contrasting them with guild signatories like Netflix that maintain relationships with the creative community.
- The AI usage was primarily in post-production, allowing the team to move more quickly on tasks that would otherwise have been impossible or too time-consuming.
Background
This development follows Affleck's March 2026 sale of his AI company, InterPositive, to Netflix for $587 million. Affleck, who founded the company in 2022, now serves as a senior advisor. The film 'Animals' was co-written by Affleck, Connor O. McIntyre, and Billy Ray. Recent industry discussions have highlighted concerns about AI's impact on labor and creative rights, with Affleck positioning his approach as a counter to the 'extractive' nature of some AI models.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Rolling Stone all reported on Affleck's comments at the Bloomberg Screentime event and the 'Animals' premiere. While all outlets confirmed the use of AI, they emphasized different aspects: THR focused on Affleck's ethical framework and his critique of tech platforms; Deadline highlighted the post-production efficiency and the 'illusion of reality' analogy; Rolling Stone focused on the proprietary nature of the InterPositive model and Affleck's discomfort with AI trained on peers' work. Comment sections on Deadline reflected mixed public sentiment, with some users criticizing the use of AI in film as 'slop' and others defending Affleck's ethical approach.
Why it matters
Affleck's public endorsement of AI in a major film, coupled with his significant financial stake in the technology through InterPositive, signals a shift in how traditional filmmakers may integrate AI into their workflows. His emphasis on ethical use and proprietary training data could influence industry standards and guild negotiations regarding AI usage in the entertainment sector.
What to watch
The film 'Animals' will be available in select theaters and on Netflix starting October 9. Affleck's continued involvement with InterPositive and his public advocacy for ethical AI use may lead to further discussions on AI integration in filmmaking and potential policy changes within the industry.
- Ben Affleck Explains His Approach to Using AI Ethically on New Movie The Hollywood Reporter
- Ben Affleck Used AI For “Lots Of Things” In Netflix’s ‘Animals’: “It’s A Very Human Movie” Deadline
- Ben Affleck walks back friend Matt Damon’s claim that Netflix wants plot regurgitation in movies Entertainment Weekly
- Ben Affleck Tries to Address Matt Damon's Comments About Making Netflix Action Movies, Admits Using AI for 'Lots of Things' in His New Film IGN
- Ben Affleck Says He Used AI for ‘Lots Of Things’ in His New Movie ‘Animal’ Rolling Stone
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