Swiss Studios AG: A New Era for Swiss Film and TV Production
A group of leading Swiss production companies have come together to establish Swiss Studios AG in Zurich, marking a significant milestone for the Swiss entertainment industry. The formation of this new outfit was driven by the introduction of the “Lex Netflix,” a Swiss law that mandates streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to invest 4% of their local revenues into Swiss film and television productions.
The shareholders of Swiss Studios include prominent entities such as Elite Filmproduktion, Praesens-Film Production AG, Contrast Series, Bavaria Fiction Switzerland, and Kinescope Film GmbH. This collaboration signifies a unified effort to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the “Lex Netflix” and create compelling content for Swiss and European audiences.
Malte Probst, the chairman of the board and CEO of Swiss Studios AG, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, stating, “We are thrilled to have taken a pioneering step for the Swiss and European creative industries with the establishment of Swiss Studios. It is now time to leverage the new possibilities brought about by the ‘Lex Netflix’ and deliver captivating content.”
Following the enactment of the “Lex Netflix” in May 2022, Switzerland’s culture ministry projected a substantial financial boost of approximately $18 million to $30 million for the local film and TV sector. In response to this legislation, Netflix announced its inaugural Swiss original production, “Winter Palace,” a collaboration with Swiss network RTS. The series will narrate the origins of winter tourism in the Alps, depicting the visionary partnership between a Swiss hotelier and a British aristocrat in the early 20th century.
Swiss Studios aims to offer a comprehensive suite of services encompassing development, production, distribution, and marketing of media projects. Additionally, the company will provide licensing, distribution, and financial management services to fulfill investment and accounting obligations. By consolidating expertise and resources, Swiss Studios seeks to position itself as the hub for Swiss film and television endeavors.
Board member Ivan Madeo affirmed the studio’s commitment to elevating the Swiss film industry and producing globally competitive content. He stated, “Our mission at Swiss Studios is to enhance the Swiss film landscape and create productions that resonate on an international scale.”
With the establishment of Swiss Studios AG, Switzerland is poised to embark on a new chapter in its entertainment industry, fueled by collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for excellence in storytelling.
