Season Three Media launches Australian factual distribution business – Distribution executives Roger Vanderspikken and Jimmy Elkington have launched Season Three Media, a new Melbourne-based company representing premium factual and lifestyle programming in international markets.
The independent distributor begins with 170 hours of content across 26 seasons and formats, and says it is already working with producers in Australia and New Zealand while expanding its global market activity.
For Australian independent producers, the launch adds another locally headquartered route to international buyers at a time when financing, rights strategy and the long-term value of programme libraries are increasingly important. Season Three Media is positioning its boutique scale as a way to offer direct access, transparent collaboration and active pitching rather than a one-size-fits-all sales model.
A third chapter for a long-running partnership
Vanderspikken and Elkington have worked together for more than two decades across Worldwide Entertainment and Fred Media, part of the WTFN Group. The Season Three name reflects what the pair describe as the third chapter of that professional partnership.
They are joined by Josh Chiodo as Content Operations Manager. Chiodo also previously worked at Fred Media and brings experience spanning technical operations, content delivery and production support.
Vanderspikken said the team understood the full content ecosystem, from development and funding through production, sales and operations to finding new markets for programmes years after their original release.
“Being nimble, we can engage with producers and clients at all levels and stages of production, which is more vital than ever in the current market.”
Roger Vanderspikken
Elkington, the company’s Co-Founder and MD, Global Content, said Season Three Media wanted to champion independent and innovative producers while extending their programmes and formats to the widest possible audiences.
“We’re intentional about being transparent, efficient and, most importantly, building strong, authentic relationships.”
Jimmy Elkington
Season Three Media’s launch slate
The company’s opening catalogue brings together emerging and established producers across factual and lifestyle programming. One of the headline titles is Budget Battlers with Jess Eva, with Season Three Media handling the format and the first three series of Maker Media’s community home-renovation programme.
The slate also includes the six-part Curating Taste, hosted and co-produced by chef Shannon Bennett with Blue Tribe Media, and the five-part Precious Metal: A Love Story from Side B Films and Dead Heart Films. The latter is hosted by Eurovision contestant, Voyager frontman and car enthusiast Danny Estrin.
Season Three Media is representing the format and first four series of The Yes Experiment, a parenting series from 1440 Productions. Film Quarter’s four-part Extreme Minds examines the relationship between extreme sport, mental health and resilience.
The launch line-up is rounded out by LifeBoat, a feature documentary from Young Guns about escaping war-torn Vietnam and the continuing dangers of authoritarian influence and state control.
Support beyond programme sales
Season Three Media says its role will extend beyond conventional distribution. The business will work with producers on funding guidance, format development, pitching and brand integration, drawing on the team’s experience across acquisitions, financing, production, sales, content operations and FAST channels.
The company’s stated aim is to maximise the international reach and long-term value of its partners’ programmes while maintaining transparency around the sales process. It is inviting approaches from independent producers as well as broadcasters and streaming platforms seeking factual and lifestyle content.
Season Three Media is headquartered in Melbourne and is now building its catalogue and international client base.
For more Australian television industry stories, visit TV Central’s Other News section. More information about the company and its catalogue is available from the public Season Three Media website.