Who is that guy?
The Person behind Cobretti
Mario Hötschl was born in 1985 in Vienna, Austria. He graduated in Photography and Audiovisual Media from Graphische Bundes-Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt Vienna. During his studies, he worked part-time in a video rental store — arguably the best film school he could have attended.
Since establishing himself as a freelance cinematographer in 2008, Mario has worked on productions across Austria and around the world. His portfolio spans award-winning feature documentaries, international television productions, portrait films, live events, and commercial campaigns. Along the way, he has filmed everyone from Michelin-starred chefs and musicians to politicians, wildlife, and professional athletes.
Mario works confidently across Sony, ARRI and RED camera systems, and is experienced in drone and gimbal operation. Through his Vienna-based production company, Die.Bude, he provides experienced camera crews and equipment for film and television productions.
Believing that every story deserves its own visual language, Mario approaches each project with curiosity, intuition, and a relentless pursuit of the right image rather than relying on convention. He has a natural sensitivity for the people in front of his lens, striving to portray them with honesty, authenticity, and respect.
Always evolving, Mario continues to refine his visual language, seeking new perspectives and fresh ways to tell stories through the camera.
Filmography
(in excerpts)
FEATURE DOCUMENTARIES
Müssen wir alle sterben (in production)
90 min · documentary on extinction and the future of humanity
The Green Lie (2018)
93 min · feature documentary on greenwashing and sustainability
Spanien gegen den Strom (2016)
80 min · feature documentary on Spain’s renewable energy transition
Alles unter Kontrolle (2015)
93 min · feature documentary on the global surveillance industry
Population Boom (2013)
90 min · feature documentary exploring global population growth
TV DOCUMENTARIES
Klang Europas (in production)
45 min · documentary series on contemporary European folk music
Dok1 (ORF1, 2020–today)
45 min · weekly documentary series exploring contemporary social issues
Das Kino der Frauen (ORF2, 2026)
50 min · documentary on women filmmakers in Austrian cinema
Kunst als Medizin (ORF2, 2026)
25 min · documentary exploring the healing power of art
Fasten für ein gutes Leben (ORF2, 2026)
32 min · documentary exploring the science and practice of fasting
Das Kreuz mit dem Karfreitag (ORF2, 2026)
25 min · documentary on the significance of Good Friday in Austria
Wie geht Liebe? (ORF2, 2026)
29 min · documentary exploring love, relationships and lasting connection
Peter über Weck (ORF2, 2025)
44 min · portrait documentary on Austrian actor Peter Weck
Ich kaufe also bin ich (ORF, 2025)
40 min · documentary exploring consumerism and identity
Der Präsident (ORF2, 2023)
49 min · political interview documentary with the austrian federal president
Die Porno Revolution (Puls4, 2023)
50 min · documentary on the rise of creator-driven adult content
Schamane statt Arzt (Puls4, 2023)
50 min · documentary exploring the rise of alternative healing
Rock me Amadeus – Falco back[on]stage (ORF2, 2023)
30 min · behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the musical Rock Me Amadeus
Der eine Moment (ORF1, 2021)
48 min · documentary series about life-changing moments
Der letzte Trip – die grosse Pastewka Dokumentation (Amazon Prime, 2020)
49 min · documentary celebrating 15 years of the comedy series Pastewka
Red Bull Music (2020-2025)
various music documentaries
Real Men (Arte, 2019)
90 min · documentary exploring modern masculinity
Österreich rüstet auf (ServusTV, 2017)
47 min · documentary on private gun ownership and self-defence in Austria
Kunst rettet Österreich (ORF2, 2016)
38 min · mockumentary on art, politics and Austria’s financial crisis
Her mit der Marie! Jetzt gehts ums Geld (ServusTV, 2016)
47 min · documentary on wealth, money and financial inequality
Paris, Favoriten (ORF1, 2016)
50 min · portrait documentary exploring the life and career of Andreas Vitásek
Flüchtlinge – Hoffnung Europa (ServusTV, 2016)
documentary on refugees and the European migration crisis
Generation Zukunft (ServusTV, 2015)
96 min · documentary exploring the challenges facing young adults
Morgenland im Abendland (ORF2, 2015)
45 min · documentary on Europe’s multicultural heritage
Unter Verdacht (ORF1, 2014)
45 min · investigative documentary exploring global surveillance
Roland Düringer – 50 Jahre ungebremst (ORF1, 2013)
52 min · portrait documentary exploring the life and career of Roland Düringer
TV MAGAZINES
Die besten Köche der Welt (ServusTV, 2015-now)
international culinary series featuring world-renowned chefs
Natur im Garten (ORF2, 2022-2026)
weekly gardening and lifestyle magazine
Red Bull Innovator TV (RedBullTV, 2019)
online tech series
Die reisende Küche (ServusTV, 2019)
culinary travel series across Austria
Heimatleuchten (ServusTV, 2018-2022)
documentary series exploring Austria’s regions, traditions and people
Analog in Vienna (ServusTV, 2016-2019)
music series featuring international artists and live performances
Literatour (ServusTV, 2014–2020)
literary magazine featuring authors and contemporary literature
Lichtspiele (ServusTV, 2012–2014)
weekly film and cinema magazine
TALK
Report – Das Interview (ORF2, 2025-now)
political interview series
ORF Sommergespräche (ORF2, 2023)
annual political interview series with Austria’s party leaders
MUSIC VIDEOS
Marko Dumancic – Europa (2023)
Bring me the Rabbit – Counterpoint (2022)
The Playground Kids – bei mir bist du schon (2022)
A Life, A Song, A Cigarette – Blindhearted (2015)
SPORTS
Weltklasse Zürich (2018-2022)
player portraits, highlight shows and digital content
Swatch Beachvolleyball Major Series (2015-2019)
player portraits, highlight shows and digital content
FEATURE FILM
Kaviar (Cinema Release, 2019)
86 min · 2nd Unit Camera
COMMERCIAL
GeoSphere Austria – Im Dienste der Gesellschaft (2024)
informational corporate film
UBM Development (2021)
corporate film
Amnesty International (2018)
TV commercial
Kinder Krebs Forschung (2017)
TV commercial
Palmers (2016-2019)
online commercial campaign