Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have entered a multi-year first-look streaming agreement with Netflix through their company, Artists Equity. This new deal, announced in 2024, enables the production and distribution of original movies made exclusively for Netflix’s streaming platform.
Details of the Partnership and Artists Equity’s Role
Artists Equity, founded by Affleck and Damon, will oversee the creative and production processes for films under this agreement. The deal specifically targets projects intended for direct streaming release, distinct from their existing deal with Sony Pictures, which focuses on theatrical films. Under the Sony pact, Artists Equity continues to develop movies destined for cinema audiences, maintaining a dual-stream approach for different markets.
A Vision for Independent Production Backed by Streaming Power
Affleck and Damon emphasized the significance of the Netflix partnership, describing it as a major milestone for Artists Equity and a validation of their vision, which has been in development since 2022. They highlighted the increasing demand for an independent production entity capable of managing all phases of filmmaking—from initial development through to the final cut. They also praised Netflix’s ability to attract and engage modern audiences.
This is an incredible milestone for Artists Equity and one that validates the vision we’ve been working towards since 2022,
Damon and Affleck said in a statement.
From the jump, we’ve seen this growing need for an independent supplier comfortable across the entire creative process, from development to final cut. Netflix is a great match for our work.
Netflix’s Support and Shared Goals for Creative Storytelling
Dan Lin, chairman of Netflix Film, expressed enthusiasm for expanding the collaboration with Artists Equity, praising their dedication to producing bold and original movies. He noted that Affleck and Damon are proactive creators who build opportunities, both in front of and behind the camera, and highlighted the wide-reaching success of their recent Netflix release.
We’re expanding our partnership with Artists Equity because they share our mission — to make bold, original films,
Lin said.
Ben and Matt don’t wait for opportunities, they create them: from making and starring in ambitious, original films, to building an innovative studio model. Audiences worldwide are loving ‘The Rip,’ and we can’t wait to share the thriller ‘Animals’ later this year. Formalizing this relationship means we will be making even more memorable movies together.
Recent and Upcoming Projects with Netflix
The deal follows the January release of The Rip, an action thriller starring Affleck and Damon that dominated Netflix’s global top 10 charts for three weeks and was viewed by over 112 million accounts within six weeks. The success of The Rip illustrates the strong audience response to their work on the platform.
Later in 2024, Netflix plans to debut Affleck’s next project as a director, Animals, in which he also stars alongside Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, and Steven Yeun. The film centers on a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife who face a devastating crisis when their son is kidnapped and ransom money is demanded.
Artists Equity’s Innovative Approach and Industry Impact
Artists Equity is supported by RedBird Capital Partners and was created to empower creatives by offering more profit participation and a welcoming production environment. Affleck and Damon aim to bridge a significant market gap by acting as an independent supplier capable of delivering the full range of studio functions, including development, financing, production, and creative oversight.
The company operates across three divisions: scripted film and television, unscripted content, and advertising. Since launching in late 2022, Artists Equity has produced a number of notable films, including the Nike-themed drama Air starring both actors, the sports biopic Unstoppable with Jennifer Lopez, the crime sequel The Accountant 2 featuring Affleck and Jon Bernthal, and a remake of Kiss of the Spider Woman starring Lopez, Diego Luna, and Tonatiuh. These projects have been released through various studios such as Amazon MGM, Lionsgate, and Roadside Attractions.
Adapting to Streaming Audience Preferences
While discussing The Rip, Damon revealed insights into Netflix’s approach to storytelling, noting that the streamer encourages clear reinforcement of the plot within dialogue multiple times. This shape of storytelling accounts for viewers’ tendency to multitask or use their phones during viewing, requiring faster pacing and repeated narrative cues to maintain engagement.
The standard action movie [has] three set pieces. One in the first act, one in the second, one in the third,
Damon shared on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
You spend most of your money on the third act. That’s your finale. And now they’re like, ‘Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay. And it wouldn’t be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they’re watching.’
Future Prospects for Affleck, Damon, and Netflix Collaboration
This first-look deal solidifies the relationship between Netflix and Artists Equity, promising a pipeline of ambitious, globally appealing films. It strengthens Affleck and Damon’s role not only as actors and filmmakers but as innovative producers reshaping how independent cinema can thrive in the streaming era. Viewers and industry watchers can anticipate a series of bold new titles influenced by this unique collaboration, expanding creative opportunities for both established and emerging talent within the evolving entertainment landscape.
