Fremantle to Build AI Microdrama From Margot Robbie's Neighbours Footage
Fremantle says the microdrama will reuse only previously broadcast scenes, with no synthetic voices or altered likenesses, and a human editor at every stage.
Fremantle Media is partnering with RoseBerry Media, a production company specializing in AI-created "Vertical TV", to turn previously broadcast Neighbours footage — including episodes featuring Margot Robbie — into a new microdrama, movieweb.com reported.
A Fremantle spokesperson said the new episodes use only original, previously broadcast footage, dialogue and performances. According to the company, the microdrama will not generate new scenes or performances, alter actors' faces or likenesses, or use synthetic voices. A human editor will oversee every stage of the process.
The plan has drawn criticism from people who worked on the Australian soap. Former cast member Matt Werkmeister said consent should be required for using cast images and voices as well as writers' work. Former actor Sam Clark, who played Donna's on-screen husband, said he disliked the idea of footage being manipulated into new storylines.
Veteran Neighbours sound recordist Bruce Findlay compared the AI approach to cutting up a Picasso and rebuilding it. Robbie, who played Donna Freedman, has not commented publicly on the microdrama.
Background
Robbie played teenager Donna Freedman on Neighbours from 2008 to 2011, joining the show at age 18. In 2023, she joined the SAG-AFTRA picket line, with the threat AI poses to industry professionals cited as a key reason for the strike.
Quick answers
What is the Neighbours AI microdrama?
It is a new short-form series from Fremantle Media and RoseBerry Media built from previously broadcast Neighbours footage, including episodes featuring Margot Robbie.
Will the microdrama use AI-generated scenes or voices?
Fremantle said it will not generate new scenes or performances, alter actors' faces or likenesses, or use synthetic voices, and that a human editor oversees every stage.
Has Margot Robbie commented on the project?
No. Robbie has not commented publicly on the microdrama.