Ben Affleck on AI in Filmmaking: A Tool, Not a Replacement

The actor-director discusses how AI could cut costs, open doors for new creators, and reimagine revenue streams—while leaving the artistry to humans.

By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61338152

Ben Affleck recently weighed in on the evolving role of AI in the film industry, offering thoughtful insights during the 2024 CNBC Delivering Alpha investor summit. His comments sparked widespread discussion, with a clip of the actor and director outlining AI's potential impact on filmmaking quickly gaining traction online.

Affleck, known for his roles in films like Good Will Hunting and Argo, addressed AI's capabilities and limitations, emphasizing its role as a tool rather than a replacement for human artistry. “AI can write excellent imitative verse, but it cannot write Shakespeare,” he said, highlighting the distinction between AI’s mimicking abilities and genuine creative innovation. For Affleck, filmmaking remains inherently human—a process defined by collaboration and discernment. “The function of having two, three, or four actors in a room and the taste to discern and construct that entirely eludes AI's capability.”

In his remarks, Affleck compared AI to a craftsman rather than an artist, elaborating on how it operates by imitating and synthesizing existing material. “Craftsman is knowing how to work. Art is knowing when to stop,” he said, suggesting that AI can handle the technical aspects of production but falls short of making the nuanced decisions that shape compelling stories. While he dismissed fears that AI might replace directors and actors, Affleck pointed to its utility in reducing the cost of filmmaking by automating labor-intensive processes, particularly in visual effects.

“I wouldn’t like to be in the visual effects business. They’re in trouble,” Affleck warned, predicting significant disruption in the industry as AI advances. He cited shows like House of the Dragon as examples where AI could drastically speed up production timelines, envisioning a world where two seasons could be completed in the time it currently takes to produce one. By automating expensive and time-consuming tasks, AI might lower barriers for emerging filmmakers, enabling them to create high-quality projects at a fraction of the traditional cost.

Affleck also explored the idea of AI-generated content as a new revenue stream for studios, which have struggled to replace the revenue once generated by DVD sales. He painted a picture of audiences paying to create custom episodes of their favorite shows, acknowledging that the results might be “janky and a little bit weird.” Additionally, he imagined a future where studios license AI-generated content, allowing fans to create personalized media, much like how superhero merchandise is marketed today.

Despite these potential innovations, Affleck remained firm in his belief that AI will not supplant human creativity. He explained that AI’s current limitations lie in its reliance on existing material and its inability to make original artistic judgments. “It’s not going to replace human beings making films,” he said, reiterating that traditional storytelling crafted by directors and actors will endure.

The candid and pragmatic tone of Affleck’s remarks resonated with many, prompting reactions on social media that praised his clarity on the subject. One user on X noted, “Didn’t expect Ben Affleck to have the most articulate and realistic explanation where video models and Hollywood is going.” For now, Affleck’s vision positions AI as a transformative but complementary force in filmmaking—a tool to streamline production while leaving the heart of storytelling in human hands.