Fremantle, the production company behind the Australian soap opera Neighbours, has announced a partnership with US-based RoseBerry Media to develop AI-assisted micro-dramas designed for mobile viewing. The project will utilize artificial intelligence technology to analyze decades of archived episodes and identify character arcs, storylines, and standout moments to support the editing process. Initial focus will be placed on footage featuring Margot Robbie, who portrayed Donna Freedman from 2008 to 2011.
According to representatives from both companies, the initiative aims to introduce the show to new audiences following the series’ final broadcast last year. The technology will work with original, previously aired footage, dialogue, and performances without generating new scenes, altering actors’ appearances, or employing synthetic voices. Human editors will review and approve each stage of the editing process, the companies stated.
Several former cast and crew members have expressed reservations about the project, citing concerns over consent and the repurposing of their images, voices, and work. Matt Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski starting in 2005, stated he had not been contacted about the micro-drama and questioned what content might be included. Sam Clark, who portrayed Ringo Brown from 2006 to 2010, noted uncertainty regarding his rights given that streaming platforms did not exist when he signed his contract two decades ago. Sound recordist Bruce Findlay, who worked on the show since its first episode, characterized the process as fundamentally altering the original creative work.
Fremantle is currently in discussions with two unions regarding the project. Residual payments will be provided to actors and writers when their work is reused, though crew members will not receive such compensation. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance union emphasized that workers should be consulted before their likeness or expertise is utilized in ways they could not have anticipated when originally contracting with the production company.
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