Fremantle and RoseBerry Plan AI-Driven Neighbours Recut for Mobile

Fremantle has partnered with US firm RoseBerry Media to use artificial intelligence to re-edit archival footage of the Australian soap opera Neighbours into short vertical episodes for mobile devices. The companies announced the plan on Wednesday. The first installment will focus on scenes featuring Margot Robbie, who portrayed Donna Freedman on the series from 2008 to 2011. The show concluded its run last year.

In a joint statement, Fremantle and RoseBerry explained that their AI tool will scan more than 9,300 existing episodes to identify character arcs and key moments. A Fremantle spokesman stated the process relies on original, previously broadcast footage, dialogue, and performances. He clarified that the technology does not generate new scenes, alter facial features, or synthesize voices. A human editor will review and approve every stage of the production.

Guy Hameiri, head of RoseBerry Media, described the initiative as the company’s first application of its in-house AI tool to this specific catalogue. He said the project aims to create premium vertical television that offers new relevance and value to the material. Jens Richter, who leads Fremantle’s commercial and international arm, called the collaboration an exciting example of technology unlocking new value from the company's library.

Several former cast members have expressed concern that they have not agreed to the reuse of their work in this format. Matt Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski starting in 2005, said he has not been contacted about the project. He noted that streaming platforms did not exist when he signed his contract twenty years ago. Werkmeister argued that consent is required for using an actor's image and voice in a new micro-drama format.

Sam Clark, who played Ringo Brown from 2006 to 2010, learned of the project through a friend. Speaking from Los Angeles, Clark said he does not object to the footage gaining a second life as long as it is not manipulated into new storylines. He said he is currently reviewing his contract to understand his rights. Sound recordist Bruce Findlay, who worked on the show from its first episode, compared the AI process to cutting up a Picasso and rebuilding it.

Fremantle is in discussions with two unions regarding the project. Residual payments, which are ongoing fees given to actors and writers when work is re-aired, will be paid. These payments do not extend to crew members. Adam Portelli, the acting CEO of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, confirmed the discussions. He stated that workers should be consulted before their likeness or expertise is used in a way they could not have envisioned when signing contracts decades ago.