Attention!
Currently, fraudulent emails are being sent in the name of the Film Commission Zurich (or “Zürich Film Office”). These emails falsely accuse recipients of copyright infringement and ask them to review a PDF document.
Please note:
We have already reported the incident to the police.
Location Scouting
Submit application
requirements
Applies to all audiovisual projects (feature films, series projects, short films, documentaries, and commercials, etc.) in the pre-production phase that are considering Zurich as a potential filming location.
To apply, please use only the online form above. We also require the following documents in order to review your application:
Synopsis
mood board
Budget/calculation of the project, including the reported Zurich effect
Current financing level of the project
Planned evaluation (national/international)
Information about the location scouting company carrying out the work (scouts with their tax domicile in the canton of Zurich are preferred)
Planned measures for green filming (optional)
Decisive factors for the approval of the application include the planned turnover in the Zurich region (see "Eligible expenses for the Zurich effect"), the planned evaluation of the audiovisual work, and the degree of financing for the project, etc.
By accepting the contract, the production company undertakes to name Film Commission Zurich in the credits of the production.in the credits of the production. In addition, Film Commission Zurich may, in consultation with the production company, report on the production and use approved image and video material for marketing purposes, among other things.
There are no set deadlines for submitting applications for the location scouting package. Applications received byOctober 31, 2026, will be reviewed.
The application must be submitted at least four weeks before filming begins. Scouting must be completed by December 31, 2026, at the latest. If scouting is not possible within this period, the production company must submit a new application.
The decision on whether to grant a contribution is made by the Film Commission Zurich, taking into account the above criteria. Decisions are communicated to the producer in writing as soon as possible, without any reasons for rejection having to be given.
There is no legal entitlement to support.
*Please note that photo shoots and film productions that contain pornographic content or violate the constitution or laws are excluded.
Funding for the location scouting package is limited each year. Consequently, contributions can only be made until the funds are exhausted. The allocation and amount of a contribution are based on defined criteria and only within the scope of the funds available to the Film Commission Zurich. The maximum amount per film project is CHF 6,000.
The Zurich effect reflects the total expenditure incurred in the production of a film project in the canton of Zurich.
Eligible Zurich expenses:
Expenses directly incurred in the production of the film project, such as filming permits,
location costs, equipment, costumes, technology, accommodation, per diems (100% of the amount actually paid
), travel, transport, film and sound material, post-production, and
other general costs:
Non-eligible expenses:
Copies of invoices, including the corresponding payment confirmations, will be used to assess and approve eligible expenses in Zurich.