South Australia’s screen industry is flying high as the cameras start rolling on season three of acclaimed Outback medical drama RFDS, bringing an employment and economic boost to the state and putting a spotlight on the beautiful Flinders Ranges.
Inspired by the heroic real-life stories of doctors, nurses, pilots and support staff of Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service, the highly anticipated third season of RFDS is now filming across Adelaide, including at the SAFC’s Adelaide Studios, as well as at the Port Augusta RFDS Base and regional surrounds including Quorn.
The cast includes Emma Hamilton, Stephen Peacocke, Rob Collins, Justine Clarke, Ash Ricardo, Emma Harvie, Rodney Afif, Jack Scott, Sofia Nolan and Thomas Weatherall.
Supported by 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 acclaimed dramas such as NCIS: Sydney and The Claremont Murders as well as award winning shows 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), RFDS recently won the award for Best Drama at the 2024 Logie Awards, the Australian television industry’s annual celebration of screen excellence.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have such a celebrated and revered production here in South Australia. With the support of the SAFC not only are we able to provide hundreds of jobs to local Adelaide cast and crew, we will also be showcasing the Flinders Ranges and our state’s regional surrounds, both of which we are supremely proud of.”
Producer Lisa Scott of Highview Productions
“I’ve shot in studios in Sydney, and I’ve been lucky enough to work in Budapest and London, which were pretty amazing. But to come here, it’s world-class. It’s probably better, it looks newer and is better equipped than those places. The best thing is it’s packed with a South Aussie crew that I’ve worked with before and they’re world-class.”
RFDS star Stephen Peacocke
Executive Producer and Endemol Shine Australia’s Head of Scripted Sara Richardson said: “Endemol Shine Australia is delighted to be filming in South Australia – showcasing the beauty of the state and the Flinders Ranges to not only the rest of the country, but around the world. It is a pleasure to be working closely with the SAFC, and the production is so appreciative of their support, facilities and commitment. We are extremely grateful to the communities of Quorn and the Port Augusta RFDS base for being so welcoming and giving this show a home away from home.”
SAFC CEO Kate Croser said: “We are thrilled to welcome Endemol Shine to South Australia for the first time with this beloved Australian drama series, strengthening our state’s international reputation as the premier location for Australian stories on screen.
“Led by South Australian producer Lisa Scott with a predominantly South Australian crew, RFDS will create significant employment and career advancement opportunities for local screen sector talent including 10 South Australian Heads of Department. It will also deliver economic and employment benefits for South Australians outside the screen industry, with more than two thirds of expenditure on a typical screen production going to suppliers and service providers in other sectors such as construction, transport, hospitality, retail and more.”
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.