Ben Affleck

Headlines · 2

1. 5h
   Ben Affleck's AI know-how goes viral, from tensors to fine-tuning open models

   Actor Ben Affleck went viral this week for explaining machine learning, neural networks, transformers, tensors, GPUs and inference in interviews with GQ and at Bloomberg's Screentime 2026 conference, saying he can write "pretty shitty Python scripts." He said he visited OpenAI, and that for his film "Animals" he fine-tuned open source models by unfreezing the weights and built his own dataset as late-stage training for open models. He sold his AI filmmaking startup to Netflix this year for a reported $587 million, a figure he says is "not right" because he did not own the whole company; his stated AI worry is learned helplessness in schools, not Skynet.

   TechCrunch AI · 🔥 9
2. 24h
   Ben Affleck on machine learning and Python in VFX

   A quote posted on Simon Willison's blog has Ben Affleck describing his long interest in computers and how visual-effects workflows have for years included machine learning. He points to convolutional neural networks — precursors to the transformer — operating on tensors (the numeric encoding of frame, batch and RGB pixel values) to do edge detection and feature extraction, identifying things like a window ledge so a green screen can be pulled and replaced. He adds that he can write "pretty shitty Python scripts."

   Simon Willison's Weblog · 🔥 5

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