Neighbours cast question AI plan for phone-sized episodes

Former stars of the Australian soap opera Neighbours are questioning a new plan to repurpose old episodes for smartphone screens. The initiative involves using artificial intelligence to cut decades of existing footage into short, vertical videos. The project has raised questions among cast members about how their performances will be used in a format that did not exist when they signed their original contracts.

Fremantle, the production company behind the series, partnered with RoseBerry Media, a US-based firm, to launch the effort. The companies stated that AI tools will scan the archive to identify strong storylines and character moments. The first of these micro-dramas will focus on the character Donna Freedman, played by Margot Robbie from 2008 to 2011. The original show ended its run last year.

Both firms argue the move will bring the long-running program to younger viewers. A spokesman for Fremantle clarified that the new clips will use original, previously broadcast footage. He said the process will not generate new scenes, change actors' faces, or use synthetic voices. A human editor will review and approve every stage of the production.

Matt Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski on the show from age 13 until 2025, says he has not been contacted by the producers. Now a producer in Melbourne, Werkmeister noted that his character shared many scenes with Robbie's character, making his appearance in the new clips likely. He believes consent is required to use an actor's image and voice in a new format. Werkmeister pointed out that streaming platforms were not part of the media landscape when he agreed to his terms two decades ago.

Sam Clark, who played Ringo Brown from 2006 to 2010, also learned of the project through an article rather than a direct message. Clark, a producer and voice actor in Los Angeles, said he does not object to the old work gaining new visibility. However, he emphasized that the original storylines should not be manipulated. He is currently reviewing his contract to determine what rights apply to the new distribution method.

Bruce Findlay, a sound recordist who worked on the show from its first episode, described the AI approach as "cutting up a Picasso and rebuilding it." Findlay, who has worked in television for nearly 50 years, said the method belittles the creative process. He highlighted that the new format changes how the audience experiences the material compared to the original broadcast.

Guy Hameiri, head of RoseBerry Media, stated this is the first time the company has used its in-house AI tool on a catalog of this size. The Neighbours archive contains more than 9,300 episodes. Hameiri said the goal is to produce premium vertical television that gives the material new relevance. Jens Richter, who leads Fremantle's commercial arm, called the project an exciting example of technology unlocking new value from the company's existing assets.

Fremantle is currently in discussions with two industry unions. The companies intend to pay residuals, which are ongoing payments made to actors and writers when work is re-aired. These payments do not extend to crew members. Adam Portelli, the acting CEO of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, confirmed the ongoing talks. He 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.