Brief Explanation

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) is a community based rescue service, located in every state of Australia, and run by the Surf Life Saving Association. Iconically Australian, the WLRHS is the longest serving search and rescue helicopter service on the planet. Air Rescue is an electrifying 6 x 30 minute primetime, observational documentary TV series showing the heroic work of the WLRHS. An unparalleled approach, the gripping, edge of your seat series follows the experienced pilots, crew and paramedics that have been helping Australians in crisis for 40 years. Classic observational storytelling imbued with a stunning cinematic style creates an explosive real-life narrative of humanity colliding head-on with the harsh and expansive Australian landscape. Stories are told through the eyes of a core cast of rescuers as they enter the lives of Australians in need: fishermen stranded on the rocks, injured farmers, flood victims, motorbike riders and unsuspecting holidaymakers. We reveal the thoughts and motivations of those behind the uniforms – What are the time-critical decisions that need to be made? How do they cope with the emotion and trauma? Rescue crews help the wounded, find the lost and provide unflinching trust and support and ultimately save lives.

Creative Execution

Filming life and death rescue operations in uncontrolled environments required meticulous OH&S protocol. Production crew members underwent rigorous helicopter base training. Only one production crew member was permitted inside the helicopter during rescues. Pre-production focused on rigging each helicopter with specialist Hero GoPro cameras. The WLRSH does not use a centralised land-based communications department -we had to ensure we were capturing the rescue as it happened. Air Rescue applied a camera and sound set up never before used in Australia. We mounted three external and five internal Hero GoPro's, including one on the tail, winch and nose. Cameras were tested and re-tested at varying speeds and light to avoid rolling shutter. Hero GoPros, radio microphones and audio recorders were fitted to each pilot, aircrew officer and paramedic. We captured live audio from the helicopter's communication deck via a portable mixer. External housings were designed and approved by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority. The DOP used a Canon C-300 (applying off the shoulder filming techniques) with a 24-105mm lens @ 25p:1/60s; a first for an Australian observational series. Glide camera steady-cam work and Cineflix aerial photography captured the Australian landscape. Stories were told through a core cast of returnable characters - pilots, aircrew officers and paramedics. During each mission we focused on the procedural narrative and thoughts and emotions of two key rescue officers. The highly sensitive nature of rescues required appropriate duty of care procedures. We obtained informed verbal consent at the time of each rescue and secured written consent after filming.