'Like cutting up a Picasso': AI microdrama edit of Neighbours worries actors and crew
Summary
Fremantle and RoseBerry Media plan to use AI to find material in old Neighbours episodes and create short vertical videos, initially focusing on Margot Robbie’s character. The companies say the videos will use existing footage and performances, with human editors reviewing the edits; some former cast and crew members question whether they consented to this reuse and what their contracts allow.Key Facts
- Neighbours ended its run last year.
- Fremantle, which produced the soap opera, partnered with US-based RoseBerry Media on the project.
- The companies say an AI tool will scan more than 9,300 episodes to identify character arcs, storylines and notable moments.
- The initial micro-drama will focus on Donna Freedman, the character played by Margot Robbie from 2008 to 2011.
- Fremantle says the episodes will use previously broadcast footage, dialogue and performances, not generated scenes, altered faces or synthetic voices.
- The companies say a human editor will review and approve every stage of the editing process.
- Former cast member Matt Werkmeister said he had not been approached and raised questions about consent for using actors’ images, voices and writers’ work.
- Former cast member Sam Clark said he had no objection to the old work getting a second life if it was not manipulated into new storylines.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
