Does Netflix want to make animated films with generative AI? A job announcement seems to confirm it

It seems that Netflix is also preparing to ride the wave of AI with INKubator, a new internal division dedicated to creating animated short films and specials with the support of generative artificial intelligence. The company has published a job advertisement for a project manager.

According to the information that has emerged, INKubator is expected to be operational from March 2026 and will be led by Serrena Iyer, a manager with previous experience at DreamWorks Animation, MRC Studios, and A24 Films. Reading the announcement, the project appears to be designed to develop an advanced production pipeline based on a workflow supported by generative AI, dedicated tools for CGI artists, and scalable multi-show environments.

As clarified in the announcement, Netflix intends to build a creativity-oriented studio backed by an infrastructure capable of significantly reducing development, production, and distribution times. In its initial phase, the project will focus on minor content, shorts, and other experimental productions. However, it seems that the intention is to expand the model to the traditional offerings of the platform as well.

After all, just a few months ago, Netflix acquired InterPositive, an AI startup founded by Ben Affleck and specialized in using artificial intelligence in post-production. The arrival of INKubator thus confirms a trajectory aimed at integrating generative AI at multiple levels of the production chain, from visual creation to process optimization.

A rather interesting element concerns the possible link with Clips, the vertical feed in TikTok style introduced in Netflix's mobile app. Currently used for trailers and promotions, this space could transform into an ideal platform for hosting short animated content generated or supported by AI. It would represent a new mode of consumption, quicker and more intuitive than the traditional one.

Meanwhile, Netflix is also strengthening its presence in the family and children’s sector with the launch of the dedicated app Netflix Playground. In this segment of the offering, accelerated production of animated content through generative tools could provide a significant competitive advantage. Essentially, Netflix would be able to consistently offer new content while maintaining a cost roughly similar to the current one.

In short, Netflix seems ready to revolutionize once again the mode of consumption and production of content. Although the discussion is mostly about animation, a similar speed of production would allow for a much broader range, thus attracting both the younger audience and the adults who already regularly use the platform.