The so-called Lex Netflix (Netflix Law), which came into force on 1 January 2024, is already showing its positive impact on the Swiss film industry. Out of the CHF 30 million (€31.5 million) expected for the first year, CHF 15.9 million (€16.7 million) have already been invested in local productions.

The legislation obliges streaming platforms and major foreign broadcasters to invest at least 4% of their annual gross turnover in Swiss film creation. By the end of March 2024, more than 70 companies had registered, 21 of which were subject to the investment obligation, according to the Federal Office of Culture (FOC). The figures were disclosed in an information sheet released during this year’s Locarno Film Festival (6-16 August).

Carine Bachmann, director of the FOC, expressed satisfaction: “The measure has been accepted, its introduction did not cause particular difficulties, and the effects are already visible.” The declared turnover for 2024 reached CHF 752 million (€791 million), in line with earlier parliamentary estimates.

Of the investments already made, CHF 9.3 million (€9.8 million) went to film creation – namely, the acquisition and production of films. This included CHF 5.9 million (€6.2 million) for project acquisition, CHF 2 million (€2.1 million) for co-productions, and CHF 1.4 million (€1.5 million) for existing film licences. No investments were made in commissioned productions.

Fiction projects received the largest share, with CHF 8 million (€8.4 million) divided between feature films (CHF 5 million/€5.3 million) and series (CHF 4.2 million/€4.4 million). Regionally, CHF 6.1 million (€6.4 million) went to German-speaking Switzerland and CHF 3.1 million (€3.3 million) to French-speaking Switzerland. In addition, CHF 4.9 million (€5.1 million) were channelled into film promotion, CHF 1.3 million (€1.4 million) into festivals, and CHF 400,000 (€421,000) to copyright management organisations.

The 21 companies concerned must invest a total of CHF 30.1 million (€31.6 million). The remaining CHF 14.2 million (€14.9 million) must be spent by 2027. If obligations are not met, firms will be required to pay a replacement levy after four years.

Among the nine projects already financed are seasons three and four of Tschugger and the series Winterpalace. The FOC noted that, for one production, the identity of the investing company cannot yet be disclosed.

While the streaming market continues to grow, the office observed that the pace is slowing slightly, whereas advertising windows are experiencing a modest decline.