Margot Robbie's 'Neighbours' Episodes Get AI Makeover

Episodes of the Australian soap opera 'Neighbours' featuring Margot Robbie are being repackaged into vertical microdramas for mobile viewers using an AI-assisted tool. The project, led by RoseBerry Media, has raised concerns about consent and residual payments for actors.

Margot Robbie played the character Donna Freedman in 'Neighbours' between 2008 and 2011. The first instalment of the new series will focus on Donna Freedman and feature two of her storylines adapted into short, vertically formatted episodes with a combined runtime of approximately 150 minutes.

Stefan Dennis, who played Paul Robinson in 'Neighbours', has described the project as 'unbelievably invasive, morally and legally wrong'. Matthew Werkmeister, who played Zeke Kinski, learned about the adaptation only after journalists contacted him for comment and has raised concerns about consent and the use of his image through AI.

Payments to writers and actors for the vertical series will follow their existing contractual agreements. Fremantle is the producer of the show 'Neighbours'.

## What's at stake The project has triggered objections from former cast members over how their performances and images are being reused. The decision to centre the launch on Donna Freedman places Margot Robbie's early television work at the heart of the new project. The use of AI to rework footage from the original programme has raised questions about the rights of actors and the potential for their images to be used without their consent.

The controversy surrounding the project highlights the need for clear guidelines on the use of AI in the entertainment industry. As the use of AI becomes more prevalent, it is likely that we will see more disputes over the rights of actors and the reuse of their performances. For now, the fate of the 'Neighbours' vertical microdramas remains uncertain, with former cast members and industry organizations pushing for greater transparency and fairness in the use of their work.