Learning by Doing: Internships with Real Responsibility
Anyone starting an internship at ORISONO won't end up in the archives or at the photocopier. The concept is clear: immerse yourself instead of just watching. Interested junior professionals are given the opportunity to experience the complete lifecycle of a film firsthand. This begins in pre-production, where ideas are structured and shooting schedules are forged. It continues through the often hectic shooting days on set and leads deep into post-production, where the raw footage is transformed into the finished film.
Particularly valuable is the perspective beyond mere production. Interns at ORISONO also learn how a film actually makes it to cinemas or to the viewer. Topics such as distribution, marketing strategies, and release planning are integral parts of their training. This holistic understanding differentiates the internship from many purely artistic apprenticeships. One not only sees how a film is made but also understands how it functions as a product and finds its audience.
Realize your own visions: Space for your own projects
Perhaps the most exciting element for many interns is the opportunity to contribute their own creative ideas. At ORISONO, the door is not closed when it comes to personal short film projects. On the contrary: the infrastructure and the team's experience are used to support these individual visions. Whoever wants to tell a story will often find an open ear and practical help here, to get from script to first shot.
This culture of "co-creation" fosters a dynamic from which both sides benefit. The young filmmakers gain practical experience and build their portfolio, while ORISONO brings fresh impetus and new perspectives into the house. It is a give and take on equal terms, which shows that support works best when trust is given and room for experimentation is left.
A Look Ahead: The industry grows with its talents
ORISONO’s work demonstrates that promotion is more than just being a financier. It's about mentoring, opening doors, and creating spaces where young voices can flourish. Whether through structured internships, support for their own short films, or guidance on their first major cinematic productions, such as Freddy Macdonald's "Sew Torn", which made it to Locarno – the approach is versatile and grounded.
For the Swiss film industry, this kind of talent development is a win. It ensures that new stories are told which might otherwise have remained in drawers. And it shows everyone who dreams of filmmaking: getting started is possible if you have the right partners by your side and are willing to get hands-on. The future of Swiss film is not only written in the offices of funding bodies but very concretely on the sets and in the editing suites of companies like ORISONO, which take young talent seriously and foster it.