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Netflix is the world’s largest streaming service and, in some ways, the hottest entertainment producer in the world today. That means it’s also subject to a certain level of oversight, including how people get paid when they make a movie or TV show for the service. Unlike cable TV, Netflix generally doesn’t pay residuals to filmmakers, which is a problem. Now, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are trying to change the way the streamer handles this aspect of the business.
As reported stage runnerAffleck and Damon’s new action film “The Rip,” which is unlike anything they’ve done together beforewill test the waters with a new compensation model. Unlike typical upfront payments, this unique deal will offer a one-time performance-based bonus that will be shared not only with the film’s stars and its writer/director, Joe Carnahan, but among all 1,200 cast and crew members. Now, it depends on the film reaching certain audience thresholds, but everyone involved will be able to participate in the success it achieves. Affleck had this to say about it:
“We wanted to address some of the real issues that are present and pressing in this industry. This deal is foundational to the ideas we had when we started the company.”
In the film, a group of Miami cops discover millions in cash in a dilapidated hideout, leading to a tense situation as they try to figure out what to do with the money. Affleck and Damon produced the film through their studio Artists Equitywhich they first formed together in 2022. As Affleck pointed out, the deal they made is in line with what their company seeks to represent, as evidenced by its name.
The Rip Could Change How Creators Get Paid by Netflix
In many cases, Netflix pays huge sums of money to big stars to direct a film. Dwayne “The Rock” Johson, for example, received $20 million for “Red Notice”. In the case of “The Rip”, its performance will be measured over the first 90 days of broadcast of the film. It will then be evaluated against other Netflix releases. Specific metrics for success have not been disclosed, but it is said that there are several tiers of performance, with the top tier requiring viewership comparable to Netflix’s most-watched titles.
“We are not dogmatic,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer. “We wanted to do business with Matt and Ben. They are entrepreneurs and progressive thinkers in this industry, and what they are building is interesting.”
This is an example of top talent using the power they have to make change. Affleck and Damon are big stars and audiences really enjoy seeing them work together. Netflix, in pursuing this film, had to meet them on their terms to close the deal. If it works, it could help more people working on films like this get paid more, more frequently. At the very least, it attempts to fix a system that is far from perfect.
This comes at a time when attention to Netflix is at an unprecedented level, as the streamer is currently. in the middle of a deal to acquire Warner Bros that would reshape Hollywood. If this deal goes through, Netflix will have more power than ever and the need for fair pay structures will be paramount. This agreement could, with some optimism, help pave the way for a better system for the future.
“The Rip” arrives on Netflix on January 16, 2026.
