Neighbours AI microdrama prompts pushback from cast and unions

Original episodes of the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours are being recut using artificial intelligence into vertical microdramas designed for mobile phone viewing, prompting immediate pushback from the show’s cast and industry unions, Guardian Australia reported. RoseBerry Media has repurposed the archival footage for its Epis platform using an AI-assisted production tool named RedSnapper. The resulting microdrama initially centers on Margot Robbie’s character, Donna Freedman, who appeared in the program from 2008 to 2011, by taking two of her storylines and recutting them into roughly 150 minutes of vertical content.

Cast Members Criticize Invasive Project

Stefan Dennis voiced sharp criticism of the project to the Herald Sun, calling it unbelievably invasive, morally and legally wrong while noting that cast members appear to have little immediate recourse. Dennis stated he had his agent investigating the matter, anticipating that other actors and industry bodies including the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Australian Writers’ Guild would do the same.

Matthew Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski from 2005 to 2011, learned of the deal only through media inquiries. Werkmeister told Guardian Australia that he finds the use of his image through AI and an unconsented platform extremely concerning, noting he received no notification from Neighbours producer Fremantle or RoseBerry Media regarding residual payments. Werkmeister added that when he signed his original contracts at age 13, streaming platforms and vertical mobile formats did not exist.

Mattie Webb, an Los Angeles-based manager with 27 years of experience representing actor Sam Clark, said Clark was awaiting guidance from the US actors’ union Sag-Aftra before commenting. Webb noted that the industry is facing rapid disruption, stating that dealing with deepfakes and AI has been a constant task.

Fremantle Adapts Content for Vertical Serials

The adaptation arrives during a rapid global expansion of vertical serials, a mobile-tailored format featuring episodes lasting roughly one minute that originated in China and generated up to $15bn globally last year. Fremantle commercial and international chief executive Jens Richter described the project in Variety last month as an example of unlocking new value from diverse content catalogs through technology and creative thinking.

Fremantle defended the microdrama by stating that it relies solely on original, previously broadcast footage, dialogue, and performances. A spokesperson for the company told Guardian Australia that the RedSnapper AI tool does not generate new scenes, alter actors’ likenesses, or use synthetic voices, noting that the technology is limited to catalog analysis, editing, and vertical reframing under the supervision of human editors.

Union Response and Regulatory Push

The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance confirmed it is assisting cast members and their representatives. The Australian Writers’ Guild also stated it is engaged in discussions with Fremantle to reach a resolution.

Werkmeister echoed the call for regulatory intervention, warning that converting existing work via AI without consultation or compensation sets a concerning precedent that reaches far beyond Ramsay Street.

Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.