Plans to repurpose decades of footage from the defunct Australian soap opera "Neighbours" using artificial intelligence have raised concerns among former actors and crew members. Fremantle, the show's producer, is collaborating with US-based RoseBerry Media to scan the extensive archive of episodes to create short, vertical videos for mobile viewing.
The project aims to leverage AI to identify narrative arcs, storylines, and significant moments, allowing editors to quickly assemble compelling material. The initial focus will be on footage featuring Margot Robbie, who played Donna Freedman between 2008 and 2011. Producers state that the AI technology will utilize existing footage, dialogue, and performances, without generating new scenes, altering actors' faces or likenesses, or using synthetic voices. A human editor will reportedly oversee and approve each stage of the editing process.
Despite these assurances, some individuals who worked on the show have expressed unease. Matt Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski and appeared alongside Robbie's character, noted that he had not been consulted about the micro-drama. "If they're creating a new micro-drama out of something that already exists, I feel there needs to be consent for using our image and voice as well as the writers," he said. Werkmeister, now a producer and director, also highlighted the evolution of digital platforms since his contract was signed, questioning his rights in the current streaming-dominated landscape.
Sam Clark, who portrayed Ringo Brown and was married to Robbie's character in the series, echoed these sentiments. Speaking from Los Angeles, Clark stated, "I don't have a negative view of the work that we did all those years ago getting a second life as long as it's not being manipulated into new storylines." He, too, is uncertain about the contractual implications, as streaming services were not prevalent when he signed his contract 20 years ago.
Bruce Findlay, a sound recordist who worked on "Neighbours" from its inception nearly five decades ago, described the AI editing process as comparable to "cutting up a Picasso and rebuilding it." He conveyed a sense of the effort involved in creating the original product and felt that its re-purposing in this manner could "belittle the process."
Guy Hameiri, head of RoseBerry Media, described the project as the first instance of utilizing their in-house AI tool on the "Neighbours" archive, which comprises over 9,300 episodes, to produce "premium vertical television." He stated the goal is to "reimagine" the material, granting it "new audiences, new relevance and new value."
Jens Richter, head of Fremantle's commercial and international division, called the initiative an "exciting example of how technology and creative thinking can unlock new value" from their content catalogue.
Fremantle is reportedly in discussions with two unions regarding the project. While residual payments are expected for actors and writers when their work is re-aired or syndicated, these payments do not extend to crew members. Adam Portelli, acting CEO of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, confirmed ongoing talks and emphasized that "Workers should be consulted before their likeness or expertise is used in a way they could never had envisioned when they signed contracts decades ago."