Neighbours is being recut into a microdrama focused on Margot Robbie – and her co-stars aren’t happy

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According to the Guardian, the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours is being recut using artificial intelligence into mobile-friendly microdramas, sparking debate among actors and industry insiders over the implications of mining television archives. RoseBerry Media has repurposed original episodes using an AI-assisted tool called RedSnapper for its Epis platform. The initial microdrama focuses on Margot Robbie's character, Donna Freedman, spanning about 150 minutes of content from her 2008-2011 run. Neighbours star Stefan Dennis called the project invasive and morally and legally wrong, noting he has involved his agent and unions. Former cast member Matthew Werkmeister expressed concern over his image being used via AI without consent, dismissing the venture as a money grab by producer Fremantle. Meanwhile, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is assisting cast members and calling for robust AI regulations and fair compensation. Fremantle defended the project, stating it uses only original broadcast footage and that the AI tool does not generate new scenes, alter likenesses, or use synthetic voices.