Kids comedy scores another goal
As season three of Mustangs FC kicks off filming in Melbourne
Fresh off the back of their second Logie nomination, hit ABC ME series MUSTANGS FC has commenced filming season three in Melbourne. MUSTANGS FC is a comedy drama aimed at 9 – 13 year olds that follows an all girls’ soccer team as they navigate friendships, families, feminism and football with humour and heart.
ABC Children’s is co-commissioning this season with National Indigenous Television (NITV), Film Victoria and NBCUniversal. Series one and two have screened to great acclaim on CBBC in the UK and Universal Kids in North America.
Season three sees The Mustangs forced to woman-up in a harsh new league in which they’re forced to merge with their nemesis, The Wildcats. Sometimes, it feels like growing up is harder than a World Cup penalty shootout!
Libbie Doherty, Head Of ABC Children’s Production, said: “MUSTANGS FC has been a huge hit with our audience. Girls and Boys are captivated with the trials and tribulations of this incredibly diverse team of soccer players. Following on from the momentum generated globally by the Women’s World Cup, this series is more captivating than ever, and we’re thrilled to be working with Matchbox Pictures again.”
This season introduces newcomers, Lucy Garwood and Kate Moore. They join Emmanuelle Mattana (Marnie), Ashleigh Marshall (Liv), Monique Heath (Lara), Molly Broadstock (Bella), Gemma Chua Tran (Anusha), Celine Ajobong (Ruby) and Tharanya Tharan (Zee) along with Jacek Koman as their coach, Danny, Pia Miranda as Marnie’s mother and comedian Celia Pacquola as narrator. Guest cast this season includes Dave Lawson as Deano, the boys coach.
The series has always promoted women taking the lead in key creative roles and has given opportunities to young women at the start of their careers and the chance to take the next important step up. This season is no different – more than 60% of the cast and crew are female.
Award winning Indigenous director Beck Cole joins this series this season alongside returning directors Ana Kokkinos, Roger Hodgman and Corrie Chen. Plus Amie Batalibasi who completed a Film Victoria Key Talent Placement on MUSTANGS FC season two, will direct alongside Roger Hodgman under the ADG Shadow Directing Scheme.
Producers Amanda Higgs and Rachel Davis said, “We are very proud to be making a third series of MUSTANGS FC in what is a challenging and competitive funding landscape for children’s television. It’s wonderful to be receiving ongoing support from ABC ME, Film Victoria and NBCU, and we are thrilled to welcome NITV to the Mustangs squad this season. We’ve heard so many stories about young girls taking up soccer as a result of watching the show and we are immensely proud of all our team, both in front of and behind the camera.”
Alastair McKinnon, Managing Director of Matchbox Pictures said, “MUSTANGS FC is already a global hit, blazing a trail for girls in sport that has resonated with audiences worldwide. We cannot wait to share the tears and triumphs of these inspiring young women in their much anticipated third season.”
NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman said, “NITV is committed to celebrating and championing the production of diverse children’s content, both in front of, and behind the camera, and is delighted to welcome MUSTANGS FC to NITV’s content offering. We recognise the importance of young people, in particular, young women, seeing themselves reflected positively on screen and can’t wait to see what this new season delivers.”
Caroline Pitcher, CEO of Film Victoria, said: “MUSTANGS FC is proudly Melbourne made and we’re thrilled to support this trailblazing drama to return for a third series. Like Matchbox Pictures, Film Victoria is committed to seeing more women on both sides of the camera, and I congratulate Victorian next-gen talent Amie Batalibasi and Marisa Nathar for leading the way on season 3.
MUSTANGS FC is produced by Matchbox Pictures for the ABC in association with Film Victoria and National Indigenous Television. International sales by NBCU International Distribution. Produced by Amanda Higgs and Rachel Davis. Executive Producer: Debbie Lee. ABC Executive Producers Libbie Doherty, Jan Stradling and Amanda Isdale. Season three was written by: Kirsty Fisher, Magda Wozniak, Rae Earl, Alix Beane, Shanti Gudgeon and Marisa Nathar and directed by Corrie Chen, Ana Kokkinos, Roger Hodgman, Beck Cole and Amie Batalibasi.
Awards & Nominations:
Nominated for the International Emmy Kids Awards, Kids Series, Cannes 2019
Nominated for two Logie Award, Most Outstanding Children’s Program, seasons 1 & 2
Nominated for AACTA Awards, Best Children’s Television Series, season 1
Nominated for ADG Awards, Best Direction in a Children’s Series, Ana Kokkinos, Jess Harris, season 2
Winner of ADG Awards, Best Direction in a Children’s Series for Fiona Banks season 2
Nominated for 2019 AWGIE Award, C classification children’s original or adapted, animated or performed is Alix Beane for season 2
