In a significant move for the Swiss and European creative sectors, five distinguished production houses have joined forces to establish Swiss Studios AG. This collaborative effort brings together renowned companies, such as Elite Filmproduktion, Praesens-Film Production, Contrast Series, Bavaria Fiction, and Kinescope Film GmbH, from Switzerland and Germany. The formation of Swiss Studios AG signals a commitment to elevate the quality and innovation of media projects in a landscape increasingly influenced by global streaming platforms.
Malte Probst, a seasoned executive in the European film industry, will head the organization, serving both as the board chair and CEO. Under his leadership, Swiss Studios AG is poised to become a beacon of creativity, focusing on a diverse range of content including films, documentaries, series, and television productions targeted not only at local audiences but also at international markets.
One of the critical motivations behind the establishment of Swiss Studios AG is the recent introduction of the ‘Lex Netflix.’ This legislation mandates that major streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ allocate a minimum of 4% of their local earnings to invest in Swiss media productions. This opportunity comes at a pivotal time when traditional media outlets are grappling with the consequences of digital disruption. Probst emphasized the strategic importance of this legislation, stating that Swiss Studios aims to harness these new resources to foster a new wave of engaging content that resonates with both Swiss viewers and an international audience.
This pioneering approach represents not merely a business model but a cultural calling. The new studio’s mission is to instigate a significant shift in how Swiss films and television are produced, funded, and distributed. The founders are committed to creating a centralized operation where every aspect of media production, from inception to marketing, is managed efficiently under one roof.
As outlined in their mission statement, Swiss Studios AG plans to offer comprehensive services encompassing development, production, distribution, and licensing. This all-in-one strategy is designed to streamline processes that can often become fragmented within the creative industries, thus maximizing efficiency and enabling projects to reach their full potential.
Board member Corinne Rossi observed, “Our goal is to inspire audiences both domestically and abroad, providing them with captivating content that showcases Swiss creativity and technical advancements.” By pooling resources, technical skills, and creative talent, Swiss Studios AG aims to become the epicenter of film and television production in Switzerland.
The birth of Swiss Studios AG stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in the face of evolving media landscapes. With the advantages provided by new legislation and a dedicated team at the helm, the studio is set to redefine not only the Swiss film industry but also its place on the international stage. If successful, this initiative could invigorate the local creative economy, inspire new storytelling forms, and showcase the richness of Swiss culture to audiences around the globe. As the studio embarks on this ambitious journey, it stands on the threshold of opportunity, ready to carve a distinctive identity in the vibrant world of European media production.