Key Facts
- ✓ Matt Damon and Ben Affleck co-starred in and co-produced Netflix's original heist film 'The Rip,' which was released on a recent Friday.
- ✓ During an interview, Damon explained that Netflix is requesting action films to include major sequences within the first five minutes to maintain viewer engagement.
- ✓ The actor noted that streaming platforms are suggesting dialogue should reiterate plot points multiple times to cater to viewers who are on their phones.
- ✓ Damon contrasted this with the traditional filmmaking structure he learned, where the major finale occurs in the third act.
- ✓ Ben Affleck pointed to the Netflix crime miniseries 'Adolescence,' which features episodes shot in one continuous take, as an example that does not follow the suggested format.
- ✓ Affleck emphasized that the best approach is to focus on making high-quality content, acknowledging that viewers will use their phones regardless.
Quick Summary
The battle for viewer attention is reshaping how movies are made. In a recent interview, Matt Damon revealed that streaming giant Netflix is pushing for significant changes to action film structure to combat shortening attention spans.
Speaking alongside longtime collaborator Ben Affleck, Damon detailed specific requests from the platform that could fundamentally alter storytelling conventions. The discussion centered on their new Netflix-exclusive heist film, The Rip, and the evolving demands of the streaming era.
The New Streaming Mandate
According to Matt Damon, Netflix is actively encouraging filmmakers to front-load action sequences. The actor explained that the platform wants major set pieces to occur within the first five minutes of a movie.
This approach marks a stark departure from traditional filmmaking structure. Damon noted that the standard way he learned to make action films was to save the biggest spectacle—the finale with all the explosions—for the third act.
Now, they're like, 'Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay tuned in.'
The reasoning behind this shift is the constant competition for audience focus. With viewers frequently distracted by other devices, Netflix aims to hook them immediately with high-octane visuals.
"Now, they're like, 'Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay tuned in. And you know it wouldn't be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they're watching.'"
— Matt Damon, Actor and Producer
Accommodating the Second Screen
Beyond visual pacing, the streaming service is also influencing dialogue and narrative delivery. Damon revealed that Netflix suggested actors should reiterate plot points multiple times throughout the script.
This recommendation is designed to accommodate viewers who are simultaneously using their phones while watching. The goal is to ensure the story remains accessible even if attention wavers.
You know it wouldn't be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they're watching.
Damon expressed concern that these adjustments could infringe on how we're telling a story. He did not specify if these specific instructions were applied to his latest heist movie, The Rip, which he co-produced with Affleck.
A Different Approach
Despite the reported push for faster pacing, Ben Affleck clarified that these suggestions are not universal across all Netflix productions. He pointed to the crime miniseries Adolescence as a counter-example.
Released in March, the show features episodes shot in one continuous take, a format that requires sustained, uninterrupted attention rather than rapid-fire editing. Damon acknowledged that this series serves as an exception to the trend.
Affleck argued that high-quality craftsmanship remains the ultimate solution to retaining viewers. He views the dynamic as a matter of supply and demand, recognizing that phone usage is a permanent behavior.
It's like supply and demand. People want to look at their phones, they look at TikTok, they're going to do that. I think what you can do is make shit the best you can. Make it really good.
The Industry Context
The conversation between Damon and Affleck highlights a broader tension within the entertainment industry. As short-form video platforms like TikTok dominate user habits, traditional long-form content is adapting to survive.
The release of The Rip serves as a test case for this new model. As a high-profile heist film starring two of Hollywood's most recognizable faces, its performance could influence how Netflix approaches future action productions.
While the platform did not respond to requests for comment, the insights from these veteran filmmakers provide a rare glimpse into the creative negotiations happening behind the scenes of major streaming productions.
Looking Ahead
The push for front-loaded action and repetitive dialogue represents a significant shift in cinematic language. It remains to be seen whether this trend will become the new industry standard or remain specific to certain streaming strategies.
As audiences continue to fragment across platforms, the balance between artistic integrity and algorithmic demands will likely define the next era of filmmaking. For now, Damon and Affleck's experience offers a clear snapshot of the evolving landscape.
"And so then it's going to really infringe on how we're telling a story."
— Matt Damon, Actor and Producer
"My feeling is just that it demonstrates that you don't need to do any of that stuff."
— Ben Affleck, Actor and Producer
"It's like supply and demand. People want to look at their phones, they look at TikTok, they're going to do that. I think what you can do is make shit the best you can. Make it really good."
— Ben Affleck, Actor and Producer
