Pre-production on the third season of the Seven Network's TV WEEK Logie Award-nominated drama RFDS has commenced.
Produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment Company) for Seven – with major production investment from Screen Australia, Seven and the South Australian Film Corporation – the lead cast are all set to return including Emma Hamilton, Stephen Peacocke, Justine Clarke, Ash Ricardo, Emma Harvie, Rodney Afif, Jack Scott, Sofia Nolan, Thomas Weatherall and Rob Collins (who is nominated in this year's TV WEEK Logie Awards as Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his role as Dr Wayne Yates).
With the planned upgrade of the Broken Hill airport, runway and RFDS facilities taking place during scheduled production, the highly anticipated third season will film in South Australia, with action unfolding across locations in Adelaide and the stunning Flinders Ranges, with the Port Augusta RFDS Base and regional surrounds doubling for Broken Hill.
Co-Creator, Writer and Executive Producer Ian Meadows said, "This series strives to showcase the beauty of regional Australia and the incredible work that the RFDS does to reach and support our most remote communities. We are pleased to have found a new home in South Australia for season three, utilising the Port Augusta RFDS Base and beautiful regional surrounds including Quorn, as well as locations across Adelaide."
Based on the heroic real-life stories of doctors, nurses, pilots and support staff of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the new season picks up one year later, as the RFDS family is forced to grapple with the fallout of choices and deal with the domino effects of a tragedy. This year the team will face their toughest obstacles yet, forcing them to make big decisions about what they want their lives to be and who they want to share them with.
Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said, "RFDS has captivated audiences and touched hearts across the country. Not only is it a gripping drama, it also showcases parts of regional Australia not often seen on screen. Most importantly it celebrates the critical work that the Royal Flying Doctor Service does every day, helping our remote communities."
Executive Producer and Endemol Shine Australia's Head of Scripted Sara Richardson said, "We are thrilled to have our extraordinary cast all returning for season three. The entire cast and crew are privileged to work with the actual RFDS in showcasing their true heroics in some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the world, including South Australia's stunning Flinders Ranges."
Seven's Head of Drama Julie McGauran said, "What a joy it is to see our stellar cast return to the screens of Seven for a third series of RFDS. With the show now in production, I can confidently say Ian and the team have once again crafted wonderful stories that showcase the importance of the RFDS and all they do for the Australian community. This beautiful series is only possible because of their incredible support."
South Australian Film Corporation CEO Kate Croser said, "We are delighted to welcome this beloved drama series to South Australia, marking Endemol Shine's first production in the state. Securing RFDS is a real coup for South Australia. Produced by SA's Lisa Scott with a majority SA crew, not only will it create hundreds of local jobs and significant opportunities for crew upskilling and career advancement, but it will also be the latest major screen production to showcase our state's remarkable regional landscapes to a huge national audience."
Executive produced by Sara Richardson, Julie McGauran and Ian Meadows, the third season of RFDS is produced by Lisa Scott (Highview Productions).
RFDS is produced by Endemol Shine Australia in association with the Seven Network. Major production investment from Screen Australia, Seven Network and the South Australian Film Corporation. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW. Banijay Rights handles international distribution for RFDS outside of Australia.
RFDS season 3 is coming to Channel 7 and 7plus in 2025.
