Switzerland-based distributor First Hand Films has launched Kiss The Frog Films, an independent prodco focused on producing transmedia projects, creative documentaries and non-fiction programming series and specials.

Kiss The Frog will develop and produce its own in-house projects, and is looking to attract coproduction partners, directors and financiers, according to First Hand.

“Since I established First Hand Films as a distribution company back in 1998, over the years our activities have also involved raising funds, co-developing and executive producing on various projects to some degree,” said Esther van Messel, First Hand Films CEO.

“We have continued to build momentum with this side of the business, and as such, we feel it makes perfect sense to now establish a production company.”

The first title in development for the prodco is Women 40′s (working title), which will look at the midlife challenge facing women around the world when they reach their forties.

The project promises to collate “authentic and gripping stories, some inspirational, others fun, across a unique section of ethnic groups… to really explore the female experience at this pivotal time in a woman’s life.”

The production will be delivered as a standalone documentary feature and via online platforms, mobile devices and other new media. It is exec produced by van Messel, produced by Trabelsi Productions’ founder Osnat Trabelsi, and coproduced by Sandrine Brauer. Alexandre Brachet is onboard as interactive producer, and First Hand will handle international sales.

Kiss The Frog will initially be operated from First Hand Film’s head office in Zurich and overseen by van Messel. However, over the coming months the indie will recruit more production staff and will look to expand its operations to new premises.