CEO Benjamin Field on Virtually Parkinson, AI, Ethics, Deepfakes, and Leadership

Virtually Anything Goes - a Made To See Podcast

Step into the future of media with the creator of Virtually Parkinson, the world-first podcast hosted by an AI recreation of legendary broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson. In this episode of Virtually Anything Goes, Deep Fusion Films CEO and Co-founder Ben Field reveals how he and his team brought the iconic interviewer back to life through cutting-edge AI and groundbreaking production workflows.

AI That Thinks, Listens, and Interviews
Ben takes us behind the scenes of building “AI Parky,” trained on more than 100 hours of classic interviews to hold entirely unscripted conversations with celebrity guests. He shares how the custom-built “Squawk” software allows the virtual host to react in real time and creates surprisingly personal, even therapeutic, discussions that feel authentically Parkinson.

Setting the Standard for Ethical AI
Beyond the show’s wow factor, Ben is shaping the global conversation on responsible AI. From writing ethical frameworks for the BBC’s Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted to advising broadcasters and policymakers, he’s helping define how AI can enhance creativity while protecting intellectual property and artist rights.

The Journey Behind the Innovation
Ben also reflects on the career twists, from acting and BBC comedy writing to award-winning directing, that prepared him to lead at the frontier of technology and storytelling. His message: bold experimentation, trust in your team, and clear ethical guardrails can turn big ideas into reality.

If you’re curious about where AI and entertainment collide, or how policy and creativity can coexist, this conversation delivers inspiration and insight in equal measure.

This episode is part of our Leadership Stories Series, where we speak to leaders from a variety of different backgrounds, including AI, Strategy, Marketing, Executive Coaching, Healthcare and others! Subscribe and check out our other episodes on Youtube at @madetoseemedia

Connect with Benjamin Field on Linkedin or find out more at https://www.deepfusionfilms.com/

Connect with Lev Cribb on Linkedin

For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to our Youtube Channel or https://www.madetosee.com

Chapters

1. Ben Field's Journey From Actor to Producer (00:00:00)

2. Creating Holograms and Digital Resurrections (00:10:40)

3. Birth of Deep Fusion Films and AI Ethics (00:21:23)

4. Virtually Parkinson: Creating an AI Host (00:34:15)

5. AI's Impact on Media Production (00:45:36)

6. Building Trust and Leadership in Tech (01:07:46)

7. The Virtually Anything Goes Question (01:15:49)