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SRF

Srf Dok

Format

Feature documentary / authored documentary

Length

50 min

Timeslot

Thursday 20:05 on SRF 1

Exposé length

3–5 pages

Editorial tone

Careful, balanced, in-depth. SRF DOK combines Swiss precision with emotional storytelling. Films take time to research thoroughly and present nuanced narratives. No sensationalism, no lecturing. Multiple perspectives are heard. Respect for protagonists and subjects is palpable. High production value — SRF DOK is the flagship of SRF's documentary commissioning desk.

What this format covers

  • ●Swiss society: identity, multilingualism, direct democracy
  • ●Alpine world: mountain farmers, tourism, climate change in the Alps
  • ●Migration and integration in Switzerland
  • ●Economy: banking hub, pharma, commodities trading — global Switzerland
  • ●Social issues: poverty, care, generational conflict
  • ●Swiss history with contemporary relevance
  • ●International topics with Swiss connection

What this format does NOT want

  • ●Purely international topics without Swiss connection
  • ●Boulevard or entertainment formats
  • ●Short reportages (for that: SRF Reporter)
  • ●Science formats (for that: SRF Einstein)
  • ●Political magazine style (for that: SRF Rundschau)
  • ●Celebrity portraits without social relevance

Visual expectations

High production value. Cinematic images, careful framing, considered lighting. Swiss landscapes as narrative backdrop — mountains, lakes, cities. Drone shots for Alpine panoramas. Observational camera in protagonist sequences. Archive material for historical references. Professional interviews in considered settings. Visual language reflects the care of the research.

Expected exposé structure

  1. Title (factual, concise)
  2. Logline (2–3 sentences: topic, approach, relevance for Switzerland)
  3. Expose body text: the story and its protagonists
  4. Swiss connection: why is this topic relevant for Switzerland?
  5. Narrative arc across 50 minutes
  6. Shoot locations and access
  7. Author, production company, contact

Example productions

  • SRF DOK: Bergbauern — Ueberleben am Steilhang
  • SRF DOK: Die Schweizer Migranten — Auswandern und Ankommen
  • SRF DOK: Rohstoff — Das schmutzige Geschaeft der Schweiz
  • SRF DOK: Ueberlebt — Geschichten von der Grenze
  • SRF DOK: Unser Dorf — Wie die Schweiz sich veraendert
European perspective required

Editorial notes

SRF DOK is the most important documentary slot in German-language Swiss television. Thursday 20:05 is primetime with high ratings expectations. External production companies can pitch — the Swiss market has an active independent production scene. Funding via Pacte de l'audiovisuel, BAK, and cantonal film funds. Co-productions with ARD, ZDF, ORF, or ARTE are possible and increase chances. Swiss connection is non-negotiable. Pitch language: German (Swiss German in the film is common and desired).

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