Cinematographers Schweiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra is a platform for talented cinematographers and related visual professionals from all language regions of Switzerland. It is independent, non-commercial, and open – both for cinematographers to register and for clients of all kinds to use freely. The aim is to increase the visibility and recognition of Swiss cinematographers – whether in feature film, television, commercial, reportage or corporate production – both nationally and internationally. The platform positions itself as a collaborative network that highlights the diversity and specialization of camera work in Switzerland: from Directors of Photography and Camera Operators to Camera Assistans, from Steadicam Operators and Drone Pilots to PTZ Operators.
Cinematographers.ch was launched in Summer 2025 by initiative from within the profession – without institutional funding but with collective energy, voluntary commitment and a clear goal: to create a contemporary digital showcase that transcends industry boundaries and linguistic regions. Although the initiative originated in German-speaking Switzerland, it has been conceived from the outset as a multilingual platform for everyone in Switzerland who engages in professional visual design and storytelling.
The decision to use the term ‘Cinematographers’ was deliberate. It bridges craftsmanship, artistic vision and technical expertise – and remains inclusive of everyone involved in moving picture creation. The term is internationally recognized, functions across all four national languages and is more than a job title: it is a statement of commitment to the visual language as a vocation. Other names such as ‘Kameraleute’ or ‘Camera Operators’ were considered but dismissed – either for being linguistically limited or too narrowly defined. ‘Cinematographers’ captures the full spectrum of moving picture-making professions: from principal cinematographers to specialized operators and technical crew – across formats and genres.
The platform actively promotes inclusive language and representation. We deliberately use terms such as ‘camera professionals’, ‘camera personnel’, or ‘visual creators’ in a gender-neutral way. At the same time, we also acknowledge specific realities – Kamerafrauen, Kameramänner, Operators, Technicians, Assistants – because visibility requires that difference is not erased, but recognized. Our approach to gender is not a symbolic gesture, but a reflection of our values: filmmaking is teamwork – and teams are diverse.
Lorenz Ehrismann / Jürg Eichenberger
Cinematographers Schweiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra