Cinema: when Swiss writers come out of the shadows

While the Festival du film de locarno Bat it up. Nevertheless, cinema: when swiss writers come the writers gradually make their place in front of the scene. However, This profession, long unknown and poorly paid, gains in recognition. Similarly, “For too long. Consequently, the authors of the scenario have been invised, crushed by the figure of the author-director typical of the new wave,” says Nicole Borgeat, screenwriter and director. Consequently, It made several of them want to defend their real place within the industry. Meanwhile, It lacks, because the training has long been insufficient. Nevertheless, ” She herself began as a director, before studying scenario writing through continuous training.

A fight for better wages

The evolution of the profession is also reflected in the negotiations between producers. Therefore, screenwriters, which began in 2023, in an attempt to improve their wage conditions. Nevertheless, Communicated on August 5. Consequently, 2025, they now set a minimum wage of 75,000 francs cinema: when swiss writers come for writing a feature film scenario, between a year and a half and two years of work. However, An amount called to evolve according to the experience, notoriety or complexity of the project.

As a member of the Committee of the Swiss Association of Directors. Meanwhile, Scriptwriters (ARF), Nicole Borgeat participated in the negotiations. Consequently, “This agreement establishes a rate range. Meanwhile, which will help professionals in the field, and in particular young screenwriters, namely how much they can ask,” she explains. Moreover, This is a necessary step, because our work is the basis of that of all other cinema trades. For example, It is essential to convince partners. Therefore, raise funds, and yet we paradoxically remain the least well-paid in the production chain, ”she adds.

Pour Stéphane Mitchella screenwriter recognized for his commitment to Swiss cinema. Consequently, television, it is the boom in the series that transformed the profession. “The series often require several brains to produce many hours of quality creation. This has strengthened the role and power of screenwriters: you can develop your universe, telling your own stories, “she says.

The profession also gains in recognition with the media. “The budgets for TV writing have increased. the profession is now more visible, in particular thanks to the influence of foreign writers who are stars in England, France or the United States. The desire to create audiovisual works is very strong. and so much the better if Swiss participate, ”says Stéphane Mitchell. And for good reason. never so many Swiss films have never been produced as in recent years, with a record of 680 productions in 2023, according to Swiss Films.

Cinema: when swiss writers come

Make a place in the network

She also notes an increasing interest of young people in the profession: each year. around fifteen of them ask her to train in the scenario. But talent is not enough. “The young writers must know the cinema: when swiss writers come Swiss authors. as well as their works, to understand the landscape in which they evolve and make a place themselves,” she underlines. If more. more of them want to get started, many ignore how to meet the right people or finance a first project. The opportunities exist, but they sometimes remain difficult to identify. For those who come from an environment far from the cinema. whose parents have few means, the course is particularly difficult.

However. the network is essential – and not only between peers: you also have to go and find more experienced mentors or professionals. “It is a job made of human relationships, 100%. Here, the CV does not exist, everything is done by word of mouth, ”explains the screenwriter. According to her, Switzerland has the advantage of being a small country, with accessible people and little snobbery. We do not cinema: when swiss writers come have the elitism that we can find in Paris: “Here. you go to the Locarno Film Festival in Tongs and you can meet recognized writers without problem,” she smiles.

A feeling shared by Romane Demidoff. scriptwriting student as part of a spouse’s master’s degree between the Cantonal Art School in Lausanne (ECAL) and the Haute École d’Art et de Design de Genève (HEAD). Elected officials are rare. In his promotion. there are only three of them intended for the scenario, and the master is only offered one year of two.

Locarno. a school for young talents

Encouraged by her university, the Geneva participates in the BaseCampa program of the Locarno Film Festival which brings together, for ten days, a selection of 200 students in art and cinema, from around the world. Every day. young cinema: when swiss writers come writers, directors and curators have the opportunity to participate in three or four activities together: the ideal place to expand its network.

This is the first participation of the student in Locarno Festival as a spectator … and as a screenwriter. The short film she co -wrote. “under the table”, directed by Mariam Bitsadze, is screened in the Foundry Film section, highlighting works by Swiss students. His project was produced in partnership with the Romanian school of Cluj-Napoca. supervised by the screenwriter and director Radu Jude, who presents his “this yearDraculaIn competition. For Romane Demidoff. the experience cinema: when swiss writers come is both intimidating and exhilarating: “I hope it is the first film in a long series,” she says.

The transition from a film to a festival does not necessarily bring in money directly. “It is not a place to earn money. it is more a place to earn visibility,” she explains, unless a price is awarded. For her. Swiss cinema represents a real opportunity, by its quality first, but also because it offers favorable land to stand out. “The Swiss industry is different from American or French industries. This is an opportunity to make your place, ”says the young woman.

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