The production company behind the defunct soap opera 'Neighbours' is turning to artificial intelligence to squeeze new value out of its old catalog, a move that has former cast and crew members sounding the alarm.
Fremantle has partnered with RoseBerry Media to use AI tools to scan over 9,300 episodes of the show, specifically targeting footage of Margot Robbie to create short-form content for mobile users.
While the companies claim the AI is merely a tool to help human editors identify 'standout moments' and map character arcs, those who actually created the content are rightfully concerned about how their likenesses and labor are being repurposed.
Former actors, including Matt Werkmeister and Sam Clark, have pointed out that they never consented to this type of digital recycling when they signed their contracts decades ago—a time when the modern streaming landscape didn't even exist.
Industry veterans like sound recordist Bruce Findlay have slammed the project, comparing the AI-assisted editing process to 'cutting up a Picasso' and belittling the hard work that went into the original production.
While Fremantle insists that no new scenes are being generated and that human oversight remains, the project highlights a growing tension between legacy media owners and the talent who built their libraries.
As the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance enters discussions regarding residuals, the incident serves as a stark reminder that in an era of rapid technological change, contractual rights are being tested by corporate efforts to monetize content in ways creators never envisioned.
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