Ben Affleck Confirms AI Use in Netflix Film Animals

Ben Affleck revealed he used artificial intelligence for multiple aspects of his new Netflix film Animals, primarily in post-production to enhance efficiency and achieve effects otherwise impossible. The director and star stated, "I used [AI] for lots of things in that movie." He emphasized that the AI was used mostly to move more quickly and accomplish tasks that would not have been possible without it.

Ethical use and creative intent

Affleck defended the AI use as ethical, insisting the finished movie remains 'very human' despite the technology's involvement. He positioned Animals as a good example because it is not a visual effects-driven spectacle set in space, but a grounded story. His comments suggest AI served as a filmmaking tool rather than a replacement for creative workers, a point of significant contention in Hollywood.

Guarding the illusion of reality

Affleck expressed hesitation about detailing the specific AI applications in the film. He compared disclosure to a magician revealing tricks before a performance, which he believes would ruin the audience's experience by breaking the illusion of reality. I’m a little bit hesitant to point out what they are or even talk about it because, in my business, we’re trying to foster the illusion of reality, right? Affleck said. He argued that revealing the mechanics would undermine the immersive nature of the storytelling.

Film context and release

Animals is a Netflix crime thriller written, directed by, and starring Ben Affleck. It premiered on October 9 in select theaters and on the streaming platform. The plot centers on Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball, played by Affleck, whose son is kidnapped. Kimball and a character named Abigail have only a few hours to raise a massive ransom, a desperate race that forces him to cross dangerous lines and potentially sacrifice his career. The film's cast also includes Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, and Kerry Washington.

Broader industry perspective

Affleck's perspective is informed by his background as a tech entrepreneur. He quietly founded the AI firm InterPositive in 2022 and served as its CEO before Netflix acquired the company earlier this year for a reported $600 million. Affleck is more bullish and knowledgeable about AI than the average Hollywood figure, comparing it to other technological advancements in film history. He believes that once filmmakers gain a sense of control over AI tools, fear subsides. Affleck does not believe AI will ever allow a filmmaker to simply type a prompt and generate a compelling movie people want to see, distancing the technology from fears of full automation replacing artists.

Animals is now streaming on Netflix and playing in select theaters following its October 9 premiere.