Ben Affleck is an AI nerd, and the internet is impressed

Ben Affleck, previously known for his acting prowess, has emerged as an unexpected expert in artificial intelligence (AI), captivating the internet with his deep understanding of the technology. The actor recently sold his AI filmmaking startup to Netflix for an estimated $587 million, sparking curiosity about his knowledge of AI, neural networks, machine learning, and other technical jargon.

During a recent interview on GQ's "One More Question" series, Affleck revealed his lifelong interest in computers and his fascination with AI's role in filmmaking. He explained his journey into the AI space began when traditional film transitioned to digital, inspiring him to delve deeper into the technology. Affleck elaborated on how he used AI terminology such as machine learning, neural networks, transformers, tensors, GPUs, and inference to discuss his work in the field.

His expertise in AI became evident when he broke down complex concepts for the interviewer, Zach Baron, including visual effects workflows, tensor manipulation, and edge detection. Affleck admitted that while the concept of neural networks and their applications might appear straightforward, the reality is far more intricate.

In addition to his technical knowledge, Affleck utilized his star power to gain access to emerging AI technologies. Notably, he visited OpenAI and shared how this exposure led him to become more directly involved in the AI sector. He explained his involvement in creating a proprietary dataset for late-stage training for open models, which would be tailored to specific cinematic tasks.

Affleck also discussed how AI could assist filmmakers without replacing their creative roles. He highlighted his experience in fine-tuning AI models by adapting open-source models, freezing weights, and teaching them to meet specific cinematic standards. This approach allowed him to maintain ownership of his proprietary work while benefiting from the advancements AI brought to the post-production process of his film "Animals."

Despite concerns around AI's potential for world-ending consequences, Affleck expressed more rational worries about its impact on students' academic performance and the 30% rise in A grades awarded at colleges in recent years. He emphasized the importance of responsible AI use, stating that while AI might not take over the movie industry in a meaningful way, it would likely prove to be an additive force.