Cameras have started rolling on season three of Seven Network drama RFDS, bringing an employment and economic boost to the state.
Supported by the State Government through the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), the series is expected to inject more than $10 million into the state’s economy and create more than 450 jobs for South Australians across crew, cast and extras talent.
With a majority South Australian crew, RFDS is the first production to come to the state from Endemol Shine Australia, the company behind NCIS: Sydney and The Claremont Murders as well as Masterchef Australia, LEGO Masters, Australian Survivor and Gogglebox.
Co-created by Ian Meadows, executive produced by Sara Richardson and Julie McGauran and produced by South Australia’s Lisa Scott of Highview Productions (The Tourist), filming is taking place across Adelaide, including at the SAFC’s Adelaide Studios, as well as at the Port Augusta RFDS Base and regional surrounds including Quorn.
Inspired by the 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.
The lead cast are all set to return including Emma Hamilton, Stephen Peacocke, Rob Collins, Justine Clarke, Ash Ricardo, Emma Harvie, Rodney Afif, Jack Scott, Sofia Nolan and Thomas Weatherall.
Arts Minister Andrea Michaels MP said: “It is very exciting to welcome RFDS to South Australia. It is the latest in a continued pipeline of major productions taking place in our state with the support of the Malinauskas Government.
“Securing this amazing series is a huge win for the state, injecting $10 million into South Australia’s economy and creating hundreds of jobs for our local screen sector while showcasing Adelaide and our incredible Flinders Ranges to a national audience.
“It demonstrates that South Australia is the perfect home for Australian television production.”
Seven’s head of drama Julie McGauran said: “We are grateful to the SAFC and South Australian Government for their extraordinary support of this TV Week Logie award winning drama – one of which we are most proud. We are really excited for viewers to see what is in store for season three when it airs on Seven next year, let the cameras roll!”
RFDS is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment Company) 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 won the 2024 TV WEEK Logie Award for Best Drama Program, and earned a nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama for Rob Collins. Season 3 will air on Channel 7 and 7plus in 2025.