Deep Fusion Films has announced the commission of a new 8-part podcast series Virtually Parkinson hosted by an AI replica of the late Sir Michael Parkinson to be launched later this year.
The podcast series will be a completely unscripted conversation between a guest and an AI version of Sir Michael Parkinson.
The AI ‘Michael Parkinson’ is built using knowledge garnered from his career, including his back-catalogue of over 2000 interviews. This approach “enables AI Michael to converse in an authentic manner and offers podcast guests a true-to-life experience.”
The podcast series is planned to be released later this year with the full support and involvement of Michael Parkinson’s family and his Estate.
The podcast was commissioned by digital content agency Night Train Digital, part of the Night Train Media Group. Night Train Digital is also managing the official Michael Parkinson YouTube channel. This digital hub will feature podcast highlights alongside a curated collection of archival footage.
“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,” says Caitlin Meek-O’Connor, director of Night Train Digital.
Deep Fusion Films, founded by Benjamin Field and Jamie Anderson, previously made documentary Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted. 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:
“Mike Parkinson suggested using his father’s voice to present a podcast where AI Michael discussed his most notable interviews, which sparked a creative conversation. Building on this, we explored using AI to emulate Parkinson’s iconic interview style, appealing to modern audiences while honouring his legacy. By focusing on the ethics and openly showcasing the AI aspect, we saw a way to create something truly engaging for both longtime fans and new listeners,” said co-founder, executive producer, Benjamin Field,Deep Fusion Films.
Deep Fusion Films has expanded its team to include a new head of creative AI, an AI prompt engineer, researchers, guest bookers, podcast producers and a sound engineer to create and produce this new proprietary technology that connects a number of existing AI tools to create a system named “Squawk”, which allows live humans to have spoken interactions with voices from the past.
AI Michael Parkinson will signpost that the podcast is hosted by AI at the start of every episode and in the third act, the host will debrief with the interviewee about what it was like to be interviewed by an AI. “People have been wowed by how accurate and warmly nostalgic the Michael Parkinson voice is and what an interesting and engaging experience it is being interviewed by an AI version of him. Watching his son, Mike’s reaction to hearing his late father speak has also been something really special,” explained Jamie Anderson, co-founder of Deep Fusion Films.
“The podcast is really a tribute to my Dad,” said Mike Parkinson, who worked closely 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. Alongside the new podcast series, there will be a dedicated ‘Michael Parkinson’ YouTube channel that will include archive episodes, clips and compilations from the podcast which will act as a digital hub for Michael Parkinson fans.
Jon Creamer
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