Swiss Studios AG will develop, produce and distribute TV and film projects
Five leading Swiss producers have combined to form a new company aiming to leverage the country’s recently introduced minimum spend legislation for global streamers.
Swiss Studios AG is based out of Zurich and is founded by Roger Kaufmann’s Elite Filmproduktion; Corinne Rossi ‘s Praesens-Film Production; Ivan Madeo’s Contrast Series; Dominic Fistarol and Marcus Ammon’s Bavaria Fiction Switzerland; and Matthias Greving’s Kinescope Film.
Former Sky exec Malte Probst has been named chairman of the board and chief exec of the company, which will develop, produce, distribute and market TV and film projects, including drama series and documentaries.
Swiss Studios is looking to capitalise on the so-called ‘Lex Netflix’ legislation, which was backed by Swiss voters in 2022 and requires streamers to spend 4% of their local income on domestic film and TV output.
Probst described the company’s launch as “a groundbreaking step” for the domestic and European creative industries.
“Now it is time to bring the new opportunities arising from the ‘Lex Netflix’ for Switzerland to life with exciting content,” added Probst.
Olivier Gremaud, Swiss Studios’ chief financial officer, added the outfit is “open to all producers in Switzerland who want to make use” of its services, which include managing rights.
Praesens-Film Production’s Rossi said: “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.”
Dominic Fistarol and Marcus Ammon, managing directors of Bavaria Fiction Switzerland, said the “strategic goals” behind their company’s involvement “are to implement local Swiss productions together with Swiss Studios, expand international co-productions, and also operate as a service provider.”
“We are confident that this support will help us realize our creative visions and give the Swiss film and series landscape even more significance beyond Switzerland,” said Kaufmann.
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