An open-air studio
A film commission founded in 1999 and a member of the International Association of Film Commissioners (AFCI), Film Location Switzerland promotes Switzerland as a location for foreign films - a long-standing tradition that has seen several James Bond, Claude Chabrol and Indian films since the 1960s, and the more recent Syriana, produced by George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh, all filmed in the country.
Switzerland's compact size gives it the advantage of being a real open-air studio, with alpine scenery, lakes, forests, medieval forts, luxurious hotels, international institutions and banks all only a short helicopter ride away. Add to that ideal production conditions – a mild climate, a good transportation infrastructure, easy-to-obtain production permits – and the renowned know-how of numerous Swiss companies specialising in production, post-production, equipment rental and other services.
As the first point of contact for foreign producers and the liaison office, Film Location Switzerland offers advice on production locations and facilities, meets precise requests and offers services from its 60 members, including Swiss production companies with solid international experience, such as CAB Productions (films by Chabrol and the Kieslowski’s “colours” trilogy), Alpine Films and Unicorn Media (Five Days One Summer by Fred Zinnemann, the James Bond films A View to Kill and GoldenEye), along with a range of technical industries and television broadcasters.
(Translated from French)
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
