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Ben AffleckHis latest film, “Animals,” arrives on Netflix on October 9 and will also be shown in select theaters. He also directs the crime thriller and stars alongside it Kerry Washington. Recently, after admitting that the new film used artificial intelligence, the Hollywood icon is shedding more light on how the technology was used and at the same time addressing problems beyond AI that the film industry has suffered.
Ben Affleck talks about his use of AI in ‘Animals’
The Hollywood Reporter interviewed Affleck on the red carpet at the “Animals” premiere. During the conversation, he was asked about his previous statements about the film in which he revealed that artificial intelligence was used in the production. In particular, many have since wondered how widely it was used.
Regarding his approach to the technology, he said, “I wouldn’t use something that trains on or learns from any work that’s written, or that’s information created by my peers or someone I look up to.”
The 54-year-old continued, “That’s why we created a proprietary database, so it didn’t have to be extracted.” Afterward, Afflect said he’s not interested in making a movie “where you just write things and come out.”
From there, he doubted whether Hollywood would ever come to a place where movies were created from inspiration. According to him, “I don’t think that’s ever going to happen in a way that anyone is going to give enough sh-t to see it. I wouldn’t want to be a part of it if it was.”
‘Argo’ Star Explains His Goals Using AI In Filmmaking
Affleck started his AI filmmaking company, InterPositive, in 2022. Since then, he has been very open about his belief that the technology can benefit the film industry, especially in terms of budget. While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he discussed his goals for implementing artificial intelligence in film.
He said, “What I’m trying to do is bring this technology into our industry, to a place where these companies that are guild signatures, that have relationships with the creative community, aren’t going to just go ahead and put you in a movie without your permission and without paying you.”
Affleck continued, “That can’t be said for a lot of tech platforms and other places where we don’t just eliminate this technology and let other people take it and control it, and then undermine ourselves.” He went on to say that he is “uncomfortable” with “some of the ways that some tech companies behave around image and appearance.”
In describing his use of AI in the upcoming Netflix film, he explained, “This is a fantastic set of tools. It’s not about faking people or replacing anyone, ever. It’s about another interesting mail tool, and if you see it or can tell what it is, like, you’re screwed. Just like a bad visual effect, just like a bad performance.”
He sold the AI company to Netflix in March
As mentioned, Affleck quietly owned InterPositve for several years before most of the public learned of its existence. However, according to Variety, ee sold to Netflix in March for $587 million in cash.
The agreement meant that the streamer would own the technology, and the team of 16 engineers, researchers and creative people would continue their work. As for Affleck’s role with InterPositive, he is now a senior advisor.
The “Animals” star released a statement amid the buildup. He said, “From the invention of the moving image to the move to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved along with the artists who use it.
Ben Affleck first revealed AI-powered ‘animals’ at an event
Affleck participated in Screentime’s Bloomberg event on September 30. While talking about “Animals,” the Oscar-winning actor admitted, “I used [AI] for a lot of things in that movie.”
He continued, “I’m a little reluctant to say who they are – or even talk about it – because in my business, we’re trying to foster the illusion of truth, right?” Then the director made a comparison, saying, “It’s like you’re going to a magic show and the magician walks out and says, ‘Just before I start, I want you to know there’s another rabbit below.'”
He is doing multiple upcoming projects
“Animals” will be released Oct. 9 on Netflix and will also play in select movie theaters. Soon, Affleck will make two films with his close friend Matt Damon. First, there’s the upcoming documentary “Turbalance: The Greatest Mind in Formula One.”
The other project is “Flash Before the Bang,” a sports drama about a deaf high school track team. None of the projects have a set release date.
