Industry figures and cast members are resisting Fremantle and RoseBerry Media’s plan to mine actors’ likenesses with AI, arguing it raises moral, legal, and consent issues and could be a money grab without proper notification or residuals.

Actors’ representatives demand clear consent, upfront notification, and direct compensation, warning that AI-driven repurposing without safeguards could set a problematic industry precedent.

Original cast and other insiders view the venture as invasive and potentially exploitative, noting that likeness rights and contracts signed before AI existed may not cover current use.

RoseBerry Media’s Guy Hameiri frames the project as the first test of their AI tool on Neighbours footage to create premium vertical TV and attract new audiences.

The Australian Love Island series is set to return later this year, underscoring ongoing engagement with AI considerations in mainstream broadcasting.

Independent TikTok series Fruit Love Island uses AI-generated fruit characters to parody dating shows, illustrating broader debates around AI in entertainment and audience appeal.

Fremantle defends RedSnapper, saying it does not synthesize performances or create new doubles; it analyzes structure and aesthetic elements using existing dialogue, with human editors approving cuts.

Margin note: Margot Robbie has not publicly commented; her agency has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

Participants highlight uncertainty about rights because contracts predated AI, with some comparing AI use to cutting up a Picasso; Fremantle defends it as an innovative blend of tech and creativity.

Industry observers are weighing how audiences will respond to AI elements as productions test AI’s role in future TV projects.

Promos depicting AI-driven redecoration of a villa drew criticism for perceived insincerity or misuse of AI in the Love Island context.

Fremantle’s Jens Richter positions the venture as a way to unlock catalogue value with human editors overseeing edits.