Observational, close to people, unvarnished. Am Schauplatz shows Austrian reality without embellishment and without denunciation. The camera is silent observer, not commentator. Respectful toward protagonists, even when their world may be alien or disturbing. No sensationalism, but genuine interest. The films let people speak for themselves — voice-over is sparse and informative, never judgmental.
●Working worlds: precarious employment, seasonal work, care work
●Marginalized groups and subcultures of Austrian society
●Generational conflicts and family realities
●Justice system, prisons, rehabilitation
What this format does NOT want
●Topics without Austrian connection
●Historical documentaries
●Science or technology formats
●Political analysis or background reports (for that: Am Punkt)
●Celebrity portraits or cultural formats
●Topics without clearly identifiable protagonists
●Sensationalist or voyeuristic approaches
Visual expectations
Observational camera, close to protagonists. Handheld in authentic situations. No staged scenes. Natural light, real environments. The images tell the story — apartments, workplaces, neighborhoods become characters. Long takes that leave room for silence. Reference: Direct Cinema, not TV magazine. Austrian landscapes and urban spaces as narrative backdrop.
Expected exposé structure
Title (concrete, no wordplay)
Logline (2–3 sentences: who, what situation, what's at stake)
Expose body text: tell the protagonists' story
Protagonist(s) with concrete biography and current life situation
Location: where the film takes place, why this place matters
Access: how contact was established, trust relationship
Social relevance for Austria
Author, production company, contact
Example productions
Am Schauplatz: Arm und abgehaengt
Am Schauplatz: Willkommen in Oesterreich (Migration)
Am Schauplatz: Leben am Rand — Obdachlos in Wien
Am Schauplatz: Bauernsterben — Wenn der Hof stirbt
Am Schauplatz: Pflege daheim — Zwischen Liebe und Erschoepfung
Protagonist-drivenEuropean perspective required
Editorial notes
Am Schauplatz has been one of ORF's most successful slots since 1995 and shaped the social reportage genre in Austria. Commissioning editor: Peter Resetarits (until 2022), then Ed Moschitz and team. External production companies can pitch but need proven protagonist access. Shoot typically over several weeks. Austrian connection is mandatory. The films often achieve surprisingly high ratings because they reach a broad audience with authentic stories.
Ready to pitch to ORF?
The Pitch Doctor generates a format-compliant exposé tailored to ORF Am Schauplatz's exact editorial expectations.