‘Hunt: We Need To Talk About James’ Producer Deep Fusion Films Hires AI & Visual Effects Expert Christian Darkin

EXCLUSIVE: Deep Fusion Films, the UK doc maker behind upcoming doc Hunt: We Need to Talk About James, has hired AI and visual effects guru Christian Darkin.

He is joining the Cardiff-based producer as Head of Creative AI, leading on the development and creation of artificial intelligence software and visuals that will allow Deep Fusion to deliver on its slate.

The match is strong one, with Darkin known for his work in areas such as animation, illustration and AI. He worked with Deep Fusion co-founder and exec producer Benjamin Field, who has been a proponent of ethical AI use in docs and unscripted, to create the deepfakes for Anderson Entertainment’s 2022 doc Gerry Anderson: A Life Unchartered.

Darkin is known for his company, Anachronistic Animation, and has delivered work for the BBC and for sci-fi features. He will report to Field, who said: “Having Christian on board is a game-changer for us. His expertise in AI integration aligns perfectly with our mission to push the boundaries of content creation while maintaining the highest standards; his vision for blending technology with artistry is exactly what the industry needs right now.”

“I’m honored to join a company that is as passionate about ethical AI as I am,” added Darkin. “I look forward to contributing to Deep Fusion Film’s next chapter as we, together, explore uncharted territories and shape the future of entertainment.” 

The appointment is latest in a busy year for Deep Fusion, following the hire of former Sky exec Niki Page as SVP of Commercial and Partnerships. The company is in production of docs such as Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters for Sky, which celebrates the 90th anniversary of the iconic horror studio Hammer Films, which we told you about last month. In development is Hunt: We Need to Talk About James, a doc looking into the life of Formula One legend James Hunt, another broke for which Deadline broke the news.

Deep Fusion launched last year, with ethical AI creation at the center of its production model. The use of AI in TV and film production has been among the most divisive issues over recent years, with last year’s writers and actors strikes in part down to differences of opinion over its use between creatives and studios. In Gerry Anderson: A Life Unchartered, Field worked with the late Thunderbird creator’s family to bring him ‘back to life’ through deep fake imagery. He then partnered with Gerry son, Jamie Anderson, to launch Deep Fusion.