Neighbours Cast Challenge AI Recut Plan for Mobile Viewers

Fremantle, the production company behind the Australian soap opera Neighbours, announced a partnership with RoseBerry Media to create short, vertical video episodes using artificial intelligence. The project aims to re-edit decades of existing footage for mobile phone screens. Former cast members and crew have raised concerns about the initiative, citing a lack of direct consent for the reuse of their images and voices.

The companies stated that the AI technology will scan the series' archive to identify character arcs, storylines, and key moments. This process helps editors quickly locate the strongest material for brief micro-dramas. The first installment will focus on footage featuring Margot Robbie, who played the character Donna Freedman from 2008 to 2011. Neighbours aired its final episode in 2025.

Fremantle and RoseBerry Media argue that the project will introduce the long-running show to new audiences. A Fremantle spokesman clarified that the episodes will use original, previously broadcast footage, dialogue, and performances. He stated that the technology does not generate new scenes, alter actors' faces, or use synthetic voices. A human editor will review and approve every stage of the process.

Matt Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski on the show from 2005 until 2013, is expected to appear in the new cuts due to his shared scenes with Robbie. Werkmeister, now a Melbourne-based producer and director, said no one contacted him before the announcement. He noted that streaming platforms did not exist when he signed his contract two decades ago, leaving him unsure of his rights. Werkmeister believes consent is necessary for using the image and voice of the original talent.

Sam Clark, who portrayed Ringo Brown from 2006 to 2010, learned of the project through a friend. Clark, currently working in Los Angeles as a producer and voice actor, said he does not object to the work gaining a second life provided it is not manipulated into new storylines. He is still reviewing his contract to understand what the agreement allows regarding digital reuse.

Bruce Findlay, a sound recordist who worked on the show from its first episode, expressed stronger criticism. Findlay, who has worked in television for nearly 50 years, compared the AI process to cutting up a Picasso and rebuilding it. He stated that the approach belittles the creative process involved in the original production.

Guy Hameiri, head of RoseBerry Media, said this marks the first time the company has used its in-house AI tool on Neighbours, which holds more than 9,300 episodes. He described the goal as producing premium vertical television that reimagines the material. Jens Richter, who leads Fremantle's commercial and international arm, called the project an exciting example of using technology and creative thinking to unlock new value from the company's catalogue.

Fremantle is currently in discussions with two unions regarding the project. Residuals, which are ongoing payments to actors and writers when work is re-aired or syndicated, will be paid to those groups. These payments do not extend to crew members. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance confirmed the ongoing talks.

Adam Portelli, the acting CEO of the union, said workers should be consulted before their likeness or expertise is used in ways they could not have envisioned when they signed their contracts decades ago. Margot Robbie has not commented publicly on the plan. Her agency has been asked for a response by the BBC.

The project is scheduled to proceed as the companies finalize the editing process. The first micro-drama focusing on Donna Freedman is expected to be released in the coming months. The vertical format is designed specifically for smartphone viewing platforms.