Green light for series three of hit Queensland children's drama

Successful children's television series H2O: Just Add Water is heading back to Queensland for a third series, Arts Minister Rod Welford confirmed today.

"I am thrilled the 26-part series, with a budget of close to $13 million, will return to shoot on location at Sea World and at Warner Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast later this year," Mr Welford said.

"The teen mermaid drama has become a very successful television series and is broadcast around the world in more than 100 countries.

"Earlier this year, H2O made history by becoming the first non-American live-action series to be acquired by US broadcasting giant, Nickelodeon.

"H2O is a shining example of high-quality Australian content finding its mark internationally.

"The series is also a great marketing vehicle for Queensland as a world-class television production base and tourist destination."

H2O: Just Add Water 3 is a Jonathan M. Shiff production and will be broadcast and distributed by Network Ten, Disney Channel and German broadcaster ZDF.

Mr Welford said the series would be made with funding from the Federal Government's Screen Australia and the Queensland Government's Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC).

"The PFTC has committed development investment and production funding in recognition of the highly-anticipated third series which will have strong market appeal and local industry impact," Mr Welford said.

"The previous series, also funded by PFTC, garnered enormous global success and received Logie and Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award nominations."

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336