MAM
Kids to model Disney’s summer 2003 apparel range
MUMBAI: Disney Hour, the children’s block on Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is gearing up to build the Disney brand further with the younger generation in the country. The new range of Disney’s Summer Apparel will be launched by the “Disney Hour Cool Kids,” (DHCK) this weekend.
The new range will be unveiled on 27 April in Mumbai with 40 kids chosen from around the country walking down the ramp. Another first of its kind event with its pulse on kids, DHCK follows close on the heels of the Disney Hour Kids Awards 2003.
The DHCK contest commenced on 8 March, 2003 across the country, with children sending in their entries to the DHCK postbag till 8 April. Disney, along with SET auditioned shortlisted children and selected 40 ‘cool kids’ to walk down the ramp to showcase the Disney summer 2003 apparel range.
The children along with their parents will be flown in from New Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Chennai to Mumbai for dress rehearsals, followed by the final event taking place on 27 April at Landmarc Citi, Mumbai, according to an official release. Disney has chosen budding models in the age group of two-five years (kids with parents), six-10 years and 11-15 years.
The DHCK entry forms were available at 34 Pantaloons and Weekenders outlets across India and also with every March issue of Diamond Comics. Entry requisitions were also available online at criclive.com/disneyontv.
For those who miss the DHCK in action, SET will air the show on 18 May on Disney Hour at 6 pm.
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.
