MAM
Big Bang Social partners with Rob & NOOE
Mumbai: Collective Artists Network’s Big Bang Social (BBS) has announced a partnership between artist Harun Robert (a.k.a. Rob) and NOOE, a premium design brand specialising in desk essentials, stationery, and everyday carry products. This collaboration marks a shift in creator-brand engagement, where creators act not only as content creators but also as investors and strategic partners.
Rob, who is also an investor and NOOE’s new chief community officer, will lead the brand’s community and content strategy for the next five years. Rob said: “NOOE’s dedication to both quality and creativity really resonates with me. This isn’t just about creating content; it’s about being involved at a deeper level, helping shape the brand’s story and building a community that shares our love for thoughtful design. I’m looking forward to working with the team at NOOE and exploring how we can bring something special to people who value creativity as much as we do.”
Known for his award-winning TV show and innovative DIY projects, Rob’s design expertise and broad appeal make him an ideal partner for NOOE. NOOE, founded by Piyush Suri and Neetica Pande, is a RED DOT Design Award-winning brand available in over nine countries, including in premier outlets like Harrods. This partnership redefines creator-brand collaborations, delivering long-term value.
NOOE co-founder & CEO Piyush Suri added: “Having Rob join us feels like the perfect match. His vision, combined with his passion for art and design, aligns seamlessly with what we stand for at NOOE. We’re excited about the potential of this partnership to elevate our brand and create a stronger, more personal connection with our customers.”
Collective Artists Network co-founder Dhruv Chitgopekar commented: “Facilitating a collaboration like this, where a creator takes on such a meaningful marketing and community-building role, is exactly what we strive for at Big Bang Social. Rob’s partnership with NOOE is an exciting step in reimagining how creators and brands work together. We believe this collaboration will grow Rob’s engagement with his community and NOOE’s growth on all relevant brand metrics. This sets the stage for more cutting-edge collaborations that push growth for forward-thinking D2C brands.”
This strategy sets a new precedent, encouraging startups and investors to think outside the box, empowering creators to take on dual roles as both investors and ambassadors. Big Bang Social is leading the way for innovative collaborations in the industry.
Brands
Netflix acquires Ben Affleck’s AI film-tech firm InterPositive
Streaming giant picks up production startup to streamline digital filmmaking
LOS ANGELES: Netflix has officially acquired InterPositive, an AI film-technology startup founded by actor and director Ben Affleck. The move marks a significant investment by the streaming service into assistive AI tools designed to support the technical side of movie production. While many AI companies focus on generating new images or scripts, InterPositive focuses on the logistical challenges of filmmaking. The firm’s technology is designed to handle technical tasks that often delay post-production, such as correcting lighting inconsistencies and ensuring visual continuity across different takes.
The acquisition is not about replacing human actors or writers. Instead, Netflix intends to use the technology as a digital assistant for directors. The software understands cinematic logic, meaning it can automatically adjust background elements or environmental effects to ensure a film looks polished and consistent without months of manual editing.
In a Netflix post on Thursday, Affleck emphasised that the project was born out of a desire to support the craft rather than automate it. “I knew I had a responsibility to my peers and our industry, to protect the power of human creativity and the people behind it. In creating InterPositive, I sought to do just that,” Affleck wrote. “From the invention of the moving image to the transition to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved alongside the artists who use it. Our shared commitment to continuing this legacy makes joining together a natural next step.”
Netflix chief product and technology officer Elizabeth Stone said, “Our approach to AI has always been focused on meaningfully serving the needs of the creative community. InterPositive’s technology is purpose-built for filmmakers and showrunners to naturally support their visions. We’re excited to welcome the team to Netflix and continue building a future where technology enhances storytelling, while people remain at the core.”
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria added, “New tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it. Ben and his team are part of a long tradition of artists leading innovation in storytelling. Their work gives filmmakers more choices, control, and protection for their vision.”
The deal coincides with a broader partnership between Netflix and Artists Equity, the production company led by Affleck and Matt Damon. Following the success of their recent projects on the platform, this acquisition cements Affleck’s role as both a creative and technical advisor to the streamer. Affleck noted that the partnership was a logical fit due to “Netflix’s decades of experience applying and scaling technology responsibly.” He will serve as a senioradvisor for the integration of the technology, ensuring the tools remain focused on helping filmmakers.
For the film industry, this acquisition signals a shift in strategy. Rather than just buying finished movies, Netflix is now owning the specialized technology used to build them. By bringing these tools in-house, the company aims to reduce the rising costs and lengthy timelines associated with high-budget original films while giving their productions a technical edge in speed and visual quality.
