AI-Assisted Microdrama Reformatting of Neighbours Footage Sparks Concerns Among Actors and Crew

Fremantle, the producer of the now-defunct Australian soap opera Neighbours, has partnered with US-based RoseBerry Media to utilize artificial intelligence for the purpose of creating short, vertical videos from the show's extensive archive. The project aims to bring the series, which concluded its run last year, to new audiences by scanning decades of footage. The initial focus of this micro-drama series will be footage featuring Margot Robbie, who portrayed the character Donna Freedman between 2008 and 2011. Both companies assert that the technology will help map character arcs and storylines, allowing editors to quickly identify strong material from the show's history. According to the companies behind the project, the AI-assisted technology will process the vast library of episodes to assist in the editing process. Fremantle spokespeople clarified that the mini-episodes will exclusively use original, previously broadcast footage, dialogue, and performances. They stated that the AI does not generate new scenes, alter actors' faces or likenesses, or employ synthetic voices, as a human editor reviews and approves every stage of the process. However, several individuals involved in the production have expressed reservations. Matt Werkmeister, a Melbourne-based producer and director who played Zeke Kinski on the show, stated he has not been approached by the companies and is concerned about the content. He emphasized that consent is necessary for the use of images and voices when existing material is repurposed into a new micro-drama. Sam Clark, who played Ringo Brown from 2006 to 2010, also noted the uncertainty surrounding the project. While he expressed a willingness to see the work gain a second life, he noted that neither he nor his colleagues had anticipated the use of AI when they signed contracts two decades ago. Crew members have voiced concerns over the artistic integrity of the process. Sound recordist Bruce Findlay, who worked on the show from its first episode, described the AI's function as akin to "cutting up a Picasso and rebuilding it," arguing that the process belittles the hard work put into the original production. Guy Hameiri, head of RoseBerry Media, stated that the project is the first time the company will use its in-house AI tool to sift through the more than 9,300 episodes of Neighbours to create "premium vertical television." Jens Richter, head of Fremantle's commercial and international arm, described the initiative as an exciting example of how technology can unlock new value from the company's catalogue. It is understood that Fremantle is currently in discussions with two unions regarding the project. While residuals—payments for actors and writers when their work is re-aired or syndicated—will be paid, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance confirmed that these talks are ongoing, noting that workers should be consulted before their expertise is used in ways they could not have envisioned when they signed contracts decades ago.