Ben Affleck is deliberately selecting film projects that keep him based in Los Angeles to accommodate his shared custody schedule and remain fully available for his three children. In a recent interview, the 54-year-old actor and director offered a rare look into his co-parenting routine with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
Affleck and Garner, who divorced in 2018 after 13 years of marriage, share an alternating weekly custody arrangement for their children: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14. Affleck explained that his current rhythm consists of working, handling school pickups, and sharing dinner whenever his children choose to spend time with him.
“They’re with me for a week, then with their mom for a week,” Affleck told reporters. He also expressed strong appreciation for Garner’s active role in raising their family, noting that the children benefit greatly from her dedication.
Choosing Local Projects Over Traveling
The Argo star emphasized that his primary motivation for staying in Southern California is to avoid missing out on crucial years of his children’s lives. Rather than traveling out of state to locations like New Mexico or Louisiana for filming work, Affleck prefers to center his professional life around Los Angeles.
“I’m divorced, I have shared custody, and I don’t want to miss these years,” Affleck said. “My kids are here, and their life is flying by. I don’t want to have to be in Shreveport or New Mexico in order to work.”
While acknowledging that he is fortunate to have professional flexibility, he also praised the local talent, describing Los Angeles film crews as some of the best in the world.
Balancing Family and Filmmaking Ventures
To help maintain production opportunities close to home, Affleck and longtime collaborator Matt Damon have utilized their Artists Equity production company to support regional filmmaking. The company recently launched Artists Equity Independent Pictures, a dedicated funding initiative aimed at assisting next-generation independent filmmakers within the area.
Affleck’s focus on his family has also shaped his personal routine following the finalization of his divorce from Jennifer Lopez in January 2025. Commenting on his current lifestyle, Affleck stated that he is content, with his children and creative work occupying the entirety of his focus rather than dating.
“Who knows what adventures life will bring? I’m open to it, but I’m not trying to chase anything,” Affleck said, describing his current life stage as genuinely wonderful.
Despite their high-profile status, Affleck and Garner have maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship, frequently coming together for family milestones and holidays while ensuring stability for their children as they grow older.
