Film production in cantons Geneva and Neuchatel will soon offer financial incentives to filmmakers.
Switzerland Introduces Cash Rebate Initiatives to Boost Film and TV Productions
Switzerland is stepping up its game in the film and TV industry with the introduction of cash rebate initiatives in several regions, including Geneva and Neuchâtel. These measures aim to make Switzerland a more attractive destination for filmmakers and boost local audiovisual production.
Geneva's 30% Cash Rebate Program
Geneva is set to implement a 30% cash rebate program starting in 2026. This initiative is managed by the Geneva Film Commission, a body established to support producers, directors, and film crews in making Geneva a competitive filming destination. The commission is backed by the Canton and City of Geneva and operates through an allocation committee responsible for handling the rebate program.
Neuchâtel's Cash Rebate Scheme
Neuchâtel, located on the western border of Switzerland, sharing a border with France, has also announced a cash rebate scheme to attract filmmakers. Although specific details about the percentage or start date are less explicitly stated, the scheme is expected to complement the existing audiovisual ecosystem in the region.
The Broader Picture
These rebate programs are part of broader efforts coinciding with Switzerland’s "Netflix Law" (Lex Netflix), which came into force on 1 January 2024. This law requires streaming platforms and foreign broadcasters to invest at least 4% of their annual gross turnover into Swiss film creation. The cash rebate initiatives complement this legislative framework by providing direct financial incentives to productions shooting in these Swiss regions.
Regional Cash Rebate Details
| Region | Rebate Details | Launch Year | Managing Body | |-----------|---------------------------------|-------------|-----------------------| | Geneva | 30% cash rebate | 2026 | Geneva Film Commission | | Neuchâtel | Cash rebate scheme announced | Not specified | Regional authorities |
Impact and Collaborations
The cash rebate scheme in Geneva is intended to complement, not replace, the existing culturally-oriented regional fund Cineforom in French-speaking Switzerland. Switzerland's national cash rebate scheme, PICS, supports about 30 projects per year with a budget of CHF6m ($7.4m) per year. The focus is on international feature film co-productions, with a maximum amount of CHF 600,000 ($741,000) paid to a project.
The Valais region in southwest Switzerland was the first to launch an automatic cash rebate scheme for audiovisual productions in 2022. The Ticino Film Commission partially covers expenditures in production from pre-production to postproduction, with the methods of disbursement being assessed individually for each specific project.
Examples of Success
The six-part psychological thriller, Placeé, is expected to have spent approximately CHF1m ($1.2m) in the canton of Neuchâtel and will be eligible for the maximum rebate of CHF500,000 ($618,000). Geneva has hosted productions such as Laurent Négre's Operation Casablanca, Jean-Pierre Améris' Aimons-Nous Vivants, Stephen Gaghan's Syriana, and Jérome Salle's The Burma Conspiracy.
Future Developments
Following the shooting of Lea Fazer's series Placeé in the region, the Neuchatel Film Commission is being considered as a potential future development. The Geneva Film Office, under the Geneva Tourism & Congress Foundation, will facilitate filming procedures and promote Geneva's audiovisual ecosystem.
In conclusion, Switzerland's cash rebate initiatives are a significant step towards bolstering local audiovisual production, leveraging the country's rich production ecosystem, skilled technicians, and partnerships with institutions such as Cinéforom and RTS, especially in French-speaking areas like Geneva.
The cash rebate initiatives in Switzerland, such as those in Geneva and Neuchâtel, are not onlyaimed at boosting local film and TV production, but also serve as part of a broader strategy to enhance Switzerland's position in the entertainment industry. These measures, including the "Netflix Law" (Lex Netflix), aim to attract more foreign broadcasters and streaming platforms, providing opportunities for collaboration in the realms of politics and general news, beyond just entertainment.
The success of productions like "Placeé" in Neuchâtel and popular films shot in Geneva, including works by directors like Lea Fazer and Laurent Négre, demonstrate the attractive audiovisual ecosystem that these initiatives are intended to support and foster, making Switzerland a competitive destination in the global entertainment industry.
