Fremantle and RoseBerry to Re-edit Neighbours into AI-Assisted Vertical Micro-Episodes
Fremantle has teamed up with RoseBerry to transform the Australian soap Neighbours into a vertical video format utilizing generative AI technology. The initial release will spotlight storylines featuring Margot Robbie as Donna Freedman, which originally aired from 2008 to 2011, condensed into micro-episodes that total up to 150 minutes. RoseBerry's RedSnapper workflow integrates AI for re-editing and reframing, complemented by human oversight. Should this endeavor prove successful, additional episodes will be incorporated into the Epis platform. Guy Hameiri, co-founder of RoseBerry, described Neighbours as an iconic series well-suited for vertical viewing. The show concluded in 2025 after 40 years, having launched the careers of stars like Robbie and Kylie Minogue. However, online feedback has been predominantly negative, raising concerns about AI's influence on established content.
Key facts
- Fremantle has partnered with RoseBerry to adapt Neighbours into vertical micro-episodes using generative AI.
- The first adapted episodes will feature Margot Robbie as Donna Freedman, originally aired between 2008 and 2011.
- RoseBerry's RedSnapper workflow uses AI to reframe, re-edit, and adapt music for vertical viewing, with human quality control.
- Up to 150 minutes of content will be created from Robbie's episodes.
- If successful, RoseBerry will continue adding episodes to its Epis streaming platform, with thousands available.
- Neighbours ended in 2025 after a 40-year run and launched careers of Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Chris Hemsworth, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Imbruglia, and Kylie Minogue.
- Guy Hameiri, co-founder and CEO of RoseBerry Media, stated Neighbours is iconic and premium IP for vertical format.
- Jens Richter, Fremantle's Commercial and International CEO, said the project explores the archive to reach new audiences and create commercial opportunities.
- Online reactions have been largely negative, with fans criticizing AI use and legacy concerns.
Entities
Artists
- Margot Robbie
- Guy Pearce
- Chris Hemsworth
- Liam Hemsworth
- Natalie Imbruglia
- Kylie Minogue
- Natalie Bassingthwaighte
- Guy Hameiri
- Jens Richter
- Leah J. Williams
- Patrick Brammall
- Brendan Cowell
- Chloe Jean Lourdes
- Miss Piggy
Institutions
- Fremantle
- RoseBerry
- Epis
- RedSnapper
- Variety
- ArtsHub
- BBC Studios
- Apple TV
- Netflix
Locations
- Australia
- UK