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. The creation of a bespoke cinematic soundtrack combined with real life sound effects accentuated the audio journey, elevating the mood to resemble a Hollywood Blockbuster; a first for any ob-doc. 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? 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

The music was an original score produced by SONAR SOUND. The intention of the score was to punctuate the drama and move the audience to connect to the story. Inspired by orchestral and operatic influences, traditionally not found within the ob-doc genre, we strived to create a cinematic experience for a television audience. Cultural references that inspired us included Black Hawk Down and the environmental documentary Planet Earth. The original score successfully builds drama and takes advantage of crucial elements in sound design like nature, the aircraft, the crew and the equipment to give the audience an exhilarating experience. The varying elements of the score cleverly dictate the pace of the story. It allows the audience to experience the emotional roller coaster from the disappointments through to the triumphs and ‘feel the weather’. Furthermore, Air Rescue was the first ob-doc to be broadcast in Australia using digital sound.