Production underway on Kangaroo Beach S3

Production of Kangaroo Beach Season 3 is underway in Western Australia and NSW, with 10-year-old actor Blake Stevens joining the main cast as the new voice of kangaroo lifeguard cadet, Pounce.

Since splashing onto screens across Australia in 2020, Kangaroo Beach became the second most-watched ABC Kids series on ABC iview.

Season 3 will see the cadets returning for another summer stacked with fun, adventure and friendship. The cadets will spend more time under the sea, scuba diving around the beautiful reef, as well as up in the mountains in a spectacular new lake location that is surrounded by gum trees and connected via a long and bendy river through the bush to Kangaroo Beach.

After producing the first two seasons in NSW, Cheeky Little Media (Ginger & the Vegesaurs, Kazoops) teamed up with WA production company Siamese to co-produce the new season.

Production is underway across both states, with a number of WA producers, concept designers, editors, sound designers and voice actors bringing the series to life, which will feature a brand-new location inspired by the Western Australian landscape.

“Expanding our casting search to Western Australia for Season 3 has led us to discover some exceptional new talent. We’re thrilled to welcome WA’s Blake Stevens as Pounce and his brother, Bradley Stevens as Junior Junior Cadet Dougie, who are joining the cast alongside Deborah Mailman as Spyke’s Aunty Bev, Mark Trevorrow as Frizzy’s popstar dad, Russell as well Miranda Tapsell who is returning as Wanda the beloved sugar glider,” said Producer, Celine Goetz of Cheeky Little Media.

“Partnering with Cheeky Little Media on Kangaroo Beach Season 3 marks our first steps into the preschool space and we’re having an absolute blast making the show. This season will feature a freshwater lake inspired by Western Australia and will also showcase the talents of WA creatives to the world. We’ve created employment opportunities in Perth across an 18-month schedule in the areas of scripting, voice talent, storyboards, design, editorial and sound design,” said Producer, Francesca Hope of Siamese.

“Being part of Kangaroo Beach was so awesome! I had so much fun! The voice director, Kate taught me so much and helped me ‘become’ Pounce. He’s such a happy and energetic character with lots of energy! I’m really proud that I get to be a part of this wonderful show teaching kids about important water safety. I can’t wait to watch Season 3 when it comes out!” said Blake Stevens.

“It’s fantastic to see so many career opportunities for WA cast and crew created by Siamese – congratulations to Francesca and the team for coming on board as co-producers and bringing production of this iconic kids series to WA,” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.

“It’s great for Australian families and children to have access to high quality content that reflects shared experiences and life in Australia – and Kangaroo Beach delivers just that. Season 3 promises yet another action-packed summer with our favourite lifeguard cadets Frizzy, Neville, Pounce and Gemma exploring the beach and the bush! Congratulations to the entire Cheeky Media team and talented cast for creating a show that resonates so strongly with children at home and abroad,” said Grainne Brunsdon, Director of Content Screen Australia.

“We are so pleased to work in Western Australia for the third series of this much-loved, iconic pre-school brand. This has allowed us to widen the talent pool across the animation pipeline with new creatives, and bring on wonderful new cast members who authentically reflect the lives of kids across Australia. We’re bringing the WA sun and surf to Kangaroo Beach!” said Jo Boag, ABC Children & Family Commissioning Editor, Animation.

Production Credit: Kangaroo Beach Season 3 is a Cheeky Little Media production for the ABC, produced in association with Siamese. Major production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). Financed with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest and Surf Life Saving Australia. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and Infinite Frameworks. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW. Developed with assistance of the ABC. Cheeky Little Commercial continues as the global brand manager.