Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Take Artists Equity to Netflix With Major Streaming Deal

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Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company, Artists Equity, has made a significant deal with Netflix to create films and shows for the streaming service over the next several years.

This deal represents a significant step for the company created by Affleck, Damon, and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital. Cardinale, a major investor in Paramount, was also instrumental in Paramount’s purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Artists Equity Signs Multi-Year Netflix Deal

Artists Equity and Netflix have signed a deal where Netflix will get first dibs on producing and distributing films made by Artists Equity. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

This agreement strengthens the existing relationship between the two companies. Artists Equity’s recent film, the crime thriller The Rip, which stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, was a hit on Netflix, staying at the top of the platform’s Top 10 list for three weeks.

Netflix will soon release a new film directed by Ben Affleck, called Animals. The movie features Affleck, Kerry Washington, and Gillian Anderson.

Affleck and Damon said the deal represents a major step for the company they launched in 2022.

In a joint statement, the founders of Artists Equity called this a major achievement and proof that their goals, established in 2022, are coming to fruition.

They also highlighted Netflix as a valuable partner, noting its success in connecting with today’s viewers and creating films that become part of the cultural conversation.

How The Netflix Deal Works

The new partnership does not replace Artists Equity’s theatrical ambitions, which are at Sony.

Artists Equity previously made a deal with Sony Pictures for three years to distribute its films in theaters. As part of this agreement, Sony handles theatrical distribution globally, provides funding for the films, and manages related rights like streaming and home video.

Because Sony doesn’t have its own streaming platform, Artists Equity has the freedom to work with services like Netflix to release content online.

Each film project will be considered on its own merits to decide if it will be released in theaters by Sony or streamed directly on Netflix as part of the new agreement with Artists Equity.

Netflix film chairman Dan Lin praised the partnership.

Lin explained they’re strengthening their collaboration with Artists Equity, noting a shared goal of producing daring and unique movies. He praised Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, saying they are proactive and build their own opportunities instead of waiting for them.

RedBird Capital’s Role

Artists Equity was co-founded by Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital, connecting it to major business dealings within the Hollywood film industry.

RedBird is a major investor in Paramount and played a key role in financing its purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Artists Equity is in a unique position, bridging the gap between traditional Hollywood studios and streaming services as the entertainment industry increasingly adopts a mix of theatrical releases and streaming options.

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2026-03-06 10:01