Deep Fusion enlists AI replica of Michael Parkinson to host interview series

Titled Virtually Parkinson, the podcast series will be a completely unscripted conversation between a guest and an AI version of Sir Michael Parkinson, who died last year.

Virtually Parkinson was commissioned by new digital content agency Night Train Digital, part of the Night Train Media Group.

The AI ‘Michael Parkinson’ has been built using knowledge garnered from his career, including his back-catalogue of over 2000 interviews.

The project is believed to be the first time in which an unscripted series has been driven by an AI presenter. The podcast series is planned to be released later this year with the support and involvement of Michael Parkinson’s family and his Estate.

Deep Fusion Films was co-founded by Benjamin Field and Jamie Anderson, whose recent documentary Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted explored the life of the legendary British film and television pioneer Gerry Anderson, creator of Thunderbirds. Both Anderson and Field are AI specialists: A Life Uncharted featured a deepfake recreation of Gerry Anderson, using AI to bring him to life to accompany original archive audio recordings.

Mike Parkinson - Michael Parkinson’s son - contacted Deep Fusion about the possibility of creating a new podcast series using his father’s voice to accompany a YouTube channel of archive material preserving his father’s legacy.

“The podcast is really a tribute to my Dad,” said Mike Parkinson, who worked with his father for over 20 years as producer and managing director of production company Parkinson Productions and has been consulted at each step of the AI technology’s development. “I want audiences to marvel at the technology, the cleverness and cheekiness of the concept, but mostly I want them to remember just how good he was at interviewing and enjoy the nostalgia and happy memories. Through this platform, his legacy can continue, entertaining a new generation of fans.”

The podcast series is due to launch in the coming months and prospective guests are being booked.

“We couldn’t be more proud to announce this as Night Train Digital’s first major commission. Through this partnership with the team at Deep Fusion, we are creating innovative new content as well as being trusted with such an iconic archive to bring Michael Parkinson to global audiences some of whom have been fans for decades, others who will be discovering him for the first time,” said Caitlin Meek-O’Connor, director of Night Train Digital.