25 October 2013
SAF3, the new television series from Baywatch creator Gregory J Bonann, now running in the US and already sold worldwide, is being shot on location in Cape Town.
According to South African co-producers Kalahari Pictures, SAF3 is one of the biggest TV series yet shot in South Africa, bringing 103 shoot days, over 200 jobs, and approximately R160-million into the local economy.
All post-production is being done in South Africa, a first for an international television series of this scale.
Action legend Dolph Lundgren stars with Dancing With The Stars winner and All My Children actor JR Martinez in the 20-episode series about an elite division of the Malibu Fire Department that includes specialists in sea, air and fire rescue operations.
The Bold and The Beautiful’s Texas Battle co-stars with South African actor Karl Thaning (Black Sails) and newcomers Danielle Anderson, Jocelyn Osorio, Katie Meehan, Lydia Hull, and Travis Burns.
According to Kalahari Pictures’ Michael Murphey, Bonann and his team “looked all over the world, including America, New Zealand and Australia, but chose Cape Town for the production value, labour force and gorgeous scenery they could get here.”
Murphey praised the Cape Film Commission, City of Cape Town and Western Cape province for making the shoot possible, particularly the semi-permanent set on Camps Bay beach. “Cape Town has proved again that it’s a film-friendly destination, and it’s reaping the benefits.”
He also singled out the Department of Trade and Industry’s rebate, which offers international productions like SAF3 up to 25% of their qualifying South Africa spend back.
The first season of SAF3 wraps in Cape Town on 13 December.
SAinfo reporter and National Film and Video Foundation
