Netflix is the most important streaming service on the planet and, in some methods, essentially the most high-profile producer of leisure across the globe proper now. Which means it is also topic to a sure stage of scrutiny, significantly in terms of how persons are paid after they make a film or TV present for the service. Not like cable TV, Netflix traditionally would not pay residuals to filmmakers, which has been a problem. Now, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are attempting to alter the best way that the streamer handles this facet of the enterprise.
As reported by Stagerunner, Affleck and Damon’s new motion film “The Rip,” which seems to be fairly not like something they’ve finished collectively earlier than, shall be testing the waters with a brand new compensation mannequin. Versus the standard all-upfront funds, this distinctive settlement will provide a one-time performance-based bonus pool of cash that shall be shared not simply with the film’s stars and its author/director, Joe Carnahan, however amongst all 1,200 forged and crew members. Now, that is depending on the film hitting sure viewership thresholds, however all concerned will get to take part in no matter success it achieves. Affleck had this to say about it:
“We wished to deal with a number of the actual points which might be current and pressing on this enterprise. This deal is key to the concepts we had once we began the corporate.”
Within the movie, a bunch of Miami cops discovers thousands and thousands in money in a run down stash home, resulting in a tense scenario as they struggle to determine what to do with the cash. Affleck and Damon produced the film by their studio Artists Fairness, which they first fashioned collectively in 2022. As Affleck identified, the deal they struck aligns with what their firm seeks to face for, as evidenced by its identify.
The Rip may change the best way that creators receives a commission by Netflix
In lots of instances, Netflix pays wild quantities of cash to massive stars to make a film for it. Dwayne “The Rock” Johson was paid $20 million for “Pink Discover,” for instance. Within the case of “The Rip,” its efficiency shall be measured over the film’s first 90 days on the service. It’ll then be evaluated relative to different Netflix releases. The particular metrics for fulfillment weren’t disclosed, but it surely’s stated there are a number of efficiency tiers, with the highest tier requiring viewership corresponding to Netflix’s most-watched titles.
“We’re not dogmatic,” stated Netflix Chief content material officer Bela Bajaria. “We wished to be in enterprise with Matt and Ben. They’re entrepreneurial, progressive thinkers about this business, and what they’re constructing is fascinating.”
That is an instance of A-list expertise utilizing the facility they should make change. Affleck and Damon are large stars, and audiences very a lot get pleasure from watching them work collectively. Netflix, in pursuing this film, needed to meet them on their phrases to safe the deal. If it really works, this might assist get extra individuals who work on movies like this receives a commission more cash, extra often. On the very least, it is trying to repair a system that’s removed from good.
This comes at a time when scrutiny of Netflix is at an all-time excessive, because the streamer is at present within the midst of a deal to amass Warner Bros that may reshape Hollywood. Ought to that deal shut, Netflix could have extra energy than ever and the necessity for honest pay buildings shall be paramount. This deal may, optimism in place, assist pave the best way for a greater system shifting ahead.
“The Rip” arrives on Netflix on January 16, 2026.
