Neighbours to be recut with AI into Margot Robbie microdrama; ex-cast and crew raise concerns

Mixed · 2Fremantle, the producer of the Australian soap Neighbours, has partnered with US-based RoseBerry Media to recut old episodes into a "microdrama" of short vertical episodes for viewing on mobile phones. 1 2 Mixed · 2The first focus is Margot Robbie's character Donna Freedman, whom she played from 2008 to 2011; the Guardian reports that two of her storylines will be cut into about 150 minutes of content for RoseBerry's Epis platform, using an AI-assisted tool called RedSnapper. 2 1 Mixed · 2Fremantle says the tool will "scan decades of episodes" to map character arcs and storylines and help editors find the strongest material, and that the episodes will use only "original, previously broadcast footage, dialogue and performances". 1 2

Mixed · 2A Fremantle spokesperson said the technology does not generate new scenes or performances, alter actors' faces or likenesses, or use synthetic voices, and that a human editor reviews and approves every stage of editing. 2 1 Mixed · 2Guy Hameiri, head of RoseBerry Media, told the BBC the project would "reimagine" the material for "premium vertical television" and give it new audiences; Fremantle's Jens Richter called it "an exciting example of how technology and creative thinking can unlock new value" from its catalogue. 1 2 Mixed · 2Former cast member Matthew Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski and shared storylines with Robbie's character, said he had not been approached; he told the Guardian he learned of the deal only when asked for comment, and called it a "money grab for Fremantle". 2 1

Mixed · 2Werkmeister said he signed his original contract at 13, before streaming and AI existed, and called for consent for use of actors' image and voice, and for writers; he also urged stronger AI regulation. 2 1 Mixed · 2Sam Clark, who played Ringo Brown, told the BBC he is not opposed to the old work getting a second life provided it is not manipulated into new storylines, but is unsure of his rights; the Guardian reports his agent said he was awaiting advice from the actors' union Sag-Aftra. 1 2 Mixed · 2Stefan Dennis told the Herald Sun the project was "unbelievably invasive, morally and legally wrong", according to the Guardian, and sound recordist Bruce Findlay, who worked on the show from episode one, told the BBC it was "like cutting up a Picasso and rebuilding it". 2 1

Mixed · 2On pay, the Guardian says residuals will go to writers and actors under their existing agreements; the BBC says Fremantle is in talks with two unions and that residuals will be paid to actors and writers but not crew. 2 1 Mixed · 2The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is assisting cast; its acting CEO Adam Portelli said workers should be consulted and fairly compensated, and the Guardian reports he urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and parliament to legislate. The Australian Writers' Guild said it was in discussions with Fremantle and hoped for a fair resolution soon. 2 1 Mixed · 2Neighbours broadcast more than 9,300 episodes from 1985 to 2025, and the Guardian places the project in a boom in vertical serials, a market that originated in China and was estimated at up to $15bn globally last year. Robbie had not commented publicly; both outlets said they had contacted her or her agency. 2 1