Ben Affleck has had enough of streaming services' treatment of talent in the movie industry.
The famous actor recently called out Netflix's process of creating commercialized movies for its platform, describing it as "an assembly line," per Deadline.
The actor is the co-founder of Artists Equity, an indie production company created as a pushback against how streaming services treat talent, per Gamespot.
Artists Equity Establishment Details
Affleck said in a Q&A segment of the New York Times' DealBook Summit in New York City that Netflix's strategy of pumping out content as much as possible is an "assembly line process."
Affleck explained that had he asked Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings about the process, he would say there is some risk in an otherwise great strategy as far as commercialization is concerned. However, Affleck countered that making 50 great movies through that process is impossible as there is no committee big enough to produce them.
"[A great movie] is a thing that requires attention and dedication and work while also resisting the assembly line process," Affleck added.
This desire to create movies on a commercial scale that is smart and acknowledges popular tastes but memorable enough for people to remember 20 years later, was what led Affleck and Damon to partner up and establish Artists Equity.
Affleck also mentioned that although he understands there is a bigger audience for action movies than there is for small dramas, he wants to surprise the audience with a movie they care about.
Gerry Cardinale of Redbird Capital, who is also Artists Equity's investor partner, added that the first wave of streaming was about volume. In contrast, the second wave was about quality during the event.
Artists Equity Specifics
Affleck and Damon's establishment of Artists Equity is expected to be a boon to talent in the acting and movie industry. According to a New York Times article detailing the company's formation, the two actors plan to do something most streaming services and studios don't currently offer: share profits with the actors and off-camera talent.
Affleck said that he feels cinematographers, editors, and costume designers are among those who help make movies but "are very underpaid."
The indie production company will also partner with filmmakers to "empower creative vision."
Aside from Cardinale, Michael Joe, former COO of STX Films and former EVP at Universal Pictures, will act as Artists Equity's chief operating officer.
The indie production company is planning on releasing three projects in 2023, with one of them involving the two actors. The film, which showcases the true story behind the creation of the Air Jordan brand, has Affleck as its director, while Damon will play a role in it.
The "Air Jordan" movie was created in partnership with Amazon Studios, Skydance Sports, and Mandalay Pictures.
Affleck and Damon plan to release a minimum of five projects per year after 2023.
