Former ITV and BBC executive Charissa Coulthard joins Deep Fusion Films

Deep Fusion Films has appointed former ITV and BBC executive Charissa Coulthard to the newly created role of development executive. She will be responsible for shaping the next generation of unscripted formats across Deep Fusion’s digital-first and traditional broadcast slates.

Coulthard, who has held senior development positions at ITV Studios, BBC Studios, Fremantle and Curve Media since joining the BBC as a production trainee in 2008, will work closely with Deep Fusion’s creative team to develop talent-led ideas inspired by both audience behaviour and emerging technology. Her brief includes building the infrastructure to create scalable, cross-platform IP that reflects not only what audiences are watching today but what they will expect to watch in the future. She will also build on Deep Fusion’s background in ethical AI production to drive new applications that challenge the way in which unscripted content is developed, funded and distributed.

Benjamin Field, CEO of Deep Fusion Films, said: “Charissa embodies exactly the kind of creative intelligence and pragmatic ambition we value at Deep Fusion. She understands the needs of commissioners and the complexities of the market, but she also recognises that the system is overdue for reinvention. At a time when our industry is evolving rapidly — creatively, financially and technologically — Charissa’s experience with major broadcasters and her instinct for innovation will help us lead from the front.”

She added: “My experience of working with some of the industry’s biggest players has given me a clear view of how things work — and the vision to imagine how they could work better. Whether it’s an unexpected format device, a fresh perspective or a new technology, I've always loved finding new ways to tell stories. I'm so excited to be joining Deep Fusion — this exceptional team of creatives knows how to use AI ethically and in a way that enhances storytelling without compromising authenticity. There are so many opportunities to explore and I can't wait to get started.”