Ben Affleck calls Netflix an ‘assembly line’ and says his and Matt Damon’s production companies will mix quality and commercial fare

Oscar-winning writers and actors e Ben Affleck And Matt Damon have launched their new production company, Artists Equity, and are sharing their vision for what it will bring about. They say the company hopes to make films that are commercial but clever, that acknowledge popular tastes, but that “people remember 20 years later.”

Their first project is the one directed by Affleck and starring Damon, covering the true story behind the creation of the iconic Air Jordan brand, which is scheduled for release in 2023 in collaboration with Amazon Studios, Skydance Sports and Mandalay Pictures. Artists Equity plans to release three projects next year, with plans to ramp up to as few as five a year going forward.

Affleck spoke about the firm’s mission during an extensive Q&A session at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York City alongside Artists Equity investing partner Gerry Cardinale of Redbird Capital, saying:

“I don’t see any difference between commercial and qualitative. Quality takes time. If you ask Reed Hastings… I’m sure there’s some risk in that, and I’m sure they had a great strategy, but I’d be like, ‘How are we going to make 50 great movies?! How is it possible? There is no committee big enough. There aren’t enough of them, you just can’t do it. It’s a thing that requires attention, dedication, and work, and it stands up to the assembly line process. Scott Stuber is a really talented and intelligent guy who I really like… but it’s an impossible job,” Affleck said, referring to the founder and co-CEO of Netflix and its head of original films.

He continued:

“There’s a bigger audience for action movies than for small dramas – I understand that. Some genres sound broader, and you can’t help but be aware of that. But let’s make it a good one, surprise the audience, make them care.”

“The first wave of streaming was about volume,” Cardinale said. “The second wave is about quality.” Affleck, Damon and Cardinale, founder and managing partner of Redbird, formally announced the launch of their artist-led studio earlier this month, planning to partner with filmmakers to empower creative vision and expand access to participation in profits through “business partnerships” with filmmakers.

I think Affleck and Damon know how to tell great stories. I look forward to seeing what they come up with.

via: Deadline