Hollywood is under fire from actor Ben Affleck, who believes that actors are just one misstep away from being canceled.

Affleck discussed his film 'Gigli' with Jennifer Lopez and its unsuccessful outcome with his soon-to-be ex-wife.

Hollywood is under fire from actor Ben Affleck, who believes that actors are just one misstep away from being canceled.
Hollywood is under fire from actor Ben Affleck, who believes that actors are just one misstep away from being canceled.

The entertainment industry is as likely to destroy as it is to make a star out of someone like Ben Affleck.

He and his longtime friend, Matt Damon, founded Artists Equity, a production company that enables creators to invest in their content and have greater control over what is produced.

An alternative to a star receiving a large payment but having little influence in the creative process is a collaborative effort where both parties contribute equally to the project.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon both in tuxedos soft smile at a table at the Golden Globes
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, along with billionaire Gerry Cardinale, founded Artists Equity in 2022. The production company allows all creators to be more financially and creatively involved with their projects. (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Moët & Chandon)

When actors partner with Artists Equity, they "effectively become investors" by having their contributions treated equally with financial investments, according to Affleck in a new interview where he criticized Hollywood's past methods for succeeding in the film business. "They help manage the risk downward and reap the rewards of that," he said. However, Affleck noted that one problem with Hollywood's deal evolution is that people have been taught that participation in projects is not real.

"The film industry has a longstanding tradition of auditing and requesting additional fees from filmmakers, which has become a ritual in Hollywood. While this practice may have been appropriate in a different economic climate, it is no longer suitable when asking people to invest their time, effort, and artistry in filmmaking. Filmmakers commit to their projects because they are passionate about the movie being made, but this does not mean they should be taken advantage of. They are investors, and they deserve to be treated as such."

Ben Aflleck in a tan sweater speaks into a microphone while on a press tour
In the entertainment industry for several decades, Ben Affleck has noticed a shift in the economic climate of the movie industry. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

In his lengthy career, the "Good Will Hunting" star admits that he has taken on roles solely for the financial gain, acknowledging that job security is a myth.

In this business, we are all vulnerable to insecurity. Regardless of whether we are actors, directors, or writers, the phone could suddenly stop ringing for us. At this moment, it is crucial to seize the opportunity and take the money. However, doing so may create conflicts as the investors in the movie may not share the same vision as those involved in its creation. This is not due to malicious intentions but rather because they have learned that the upfront money is the only thing they can rely on.

Ben Affleck in a three=-piece black suit and black tie looks serious on the carpet
Ben Affleck says, "We’re all subject to this sort of insecurity in this business. Whether we’re actors or directors or writers, the phone could stop ringing for us. This is the time to take the money." (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

"I am uncertain when this may end. One misstep could lead to cancellation or a failed movie, and I have responsibilities beyond work. Of course, individuals prioritize their own interests."

Affleck stated, "That's why we have to inform you upfront that you must invest something into the movie."

"Gigli," a movie starring Affleck and his then-wife Jennifer Lopez, is a well-known example.

He admitted that although he received a substantial cash payment for the movie, it doesn't feel right in hindsight because the film lost money. Despite being the most famous flop in history, it was not the biggest money-losing movie ever made.

Jennifer Lopez and Matt Damon in a blue convertible film a scene for their movie, "Gigli"
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, photographed in Los Angeles, shoot a scene for their box-office bomb, "Gigli" in 2003. (Mel Bouzad/Getty Images)

"We’re all subject to this sort of insecurity in this business….I don’t know when this might go away. I’m one errant remark away from being canceled, or I’m one movie bomb away from never working again, and I’ve got a family and so forth." — Ben Affleck on how creators think

Despite spending over $75 million on financing, the film failed to perform well at the box office, earning only a little over $7 million.

Despite this, it doesn't feel right to me. However, it also doesn't feel right to people when they say, "Wait a minute. We all sacrificed to be committed to this." Then the old story about the $10 million movie that made $200 million and nobody has seen a nickel.

"Fairness is a fundamental principle that Matt and I are committed to upholding in order to create a fair deal for everyone, regardless of the outcome," he stated.

Ben Affleck soft smiles on the carpet wearing a black suit and blue shirt
Taking a big check to be in "Gigli," Affleck says years later, it "doesn't sit right" with him.  (Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
by Caroline Thayer

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