European Indies Join Forces To Launch Swiss Studios AG

Five European production outfits have come together to launch Swiss Studios AG.

The firm has been formed with shareholders Elite Filmproduktion, Praesens-Film Production, Contrast Series, Bavaria Fiction and Kinescope Film GmbH, which are based in Switzerland and Germany. Leaders of these companies will sit on the board and vet European exec Malte Probst will chair the board and takes on the CEO mantle.

Based in Zurich, Swiss Studios AG said it will “drive the development and production of innovative and high-quality content in the fields of film, documentaries, series and television from Switzerland for Switzerland, Europe, and the international market.”

Probst said: “We are delighted to have taken a groundbreaking step for the Swiss and European creative industries with the founding of Swiss Studios. Now it is time to bring the new opportunities arising from the ‘Lex Netflix’ for Switzerland to life with exciting content.”

The Lex Netflix refers to legislation that requires Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ to reinvest 4% of their local income in Swiss film and television productions. Swiss Studios said today it will “leverage the opportunities” presented by these changes.

In its mission statement, Swiss Studios said it will “offer everything from a single source – development, production, distribution and marketing of media projects – as well as licensing distribution and other services related to handling investment and accounting obligations.” It aims to “become the center for Swiss film and television projects through united efforts and consolidated know-how.”

“We want to inspire national and international audiences in cinemas and on digital media with innovative content developed in collaboration with creatives and incorporating technical advancements,” added board member Corinne Rossi.