Actor-filmmaker Ben Affleck pushed back against fears that artificial intelligence (AI) will eliminate large numbers of jobs or take control of the entertainment industry, calling some of the most extreme concerns "propaganda."
In an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday at Bloomberg Screentime 2026 in Los Angeles, Affleck discussed AI’s role in filmmaking, his experience developing AI tools, and why he believes the technology is more likely to supplement creative work than replace it.
Affleck Says AI Can Add To Hollywood
Affleck said filmmakers often become less fearful of AI once they understand how the technology actually works and can use it themselves. He compared the shift to earlier technological advances in filmmaking, arguing that AI can become another tool rather than an autonomous force capable of taking over the industry.
Affleck said AI is already being used on films without reducing staffing levels. "In fact, more people technically are being employed," he said. Affleck said he believes Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) has been judicious in its use of AI and is focused on improving filmmaking rather than simply cutting costs.
Affleck said AI was used in Animals, primarily in post-production, where it helped the production move faster and complete some work that otherwise may not have been possible. He declined to detail every application, saying revealing too much could undermine the illusion created for audiences.
‘I Don’t Worry About Skynet’
Affleck said his concerns about AI extend to his children’s education, including what he described as a rise in college grades and the risk of ‘learned helplessness,’ if people become overly dependent on technology.
"I don’t worry about Skynet," Affleck said, adding that he expects AI to be "additive" to the filmmaking business rather than take it over.
Earlier this year, Netflix acquired InterPositive, the filmmaking technology company founded by Affleck, bringing its team into Netflix and adding Affleck as a senior adviser. The company’s tools were designed to assist filmmakers with production workflows while preserving creative control.
In February, Affleck also argued that AI was unlikely to independently create meaningful films without human involvement. Last year, a Hollywood AI project backed by OpenAI sought to demonstrate how generative AI could reduce filmmaking costs and production timelines while still involving human artists and actors.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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