With an astounding 184% increase in demand between 2020 and 2023, Turkey cedes its position as the world’s third-largest exporter of TV series, further solidifying its domination in the television industry. Meanwhile, efforts to advance the film industry and gain international recognition continue, with projections of significant growth.
Turkey is establishing itself as a major player in the TV business; according to The Economist, it is the third-largest supplier of TV shows worldwide. The demand for Turkish series increased by 184% between 2020 and 2023. Demonstrating their expanding global appeal. Interestingly, television exports from Turkey reached $600 million in 2022, and future estimates indicate even higher amounts.
The new Turkish series’ top three importers were Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Spain. Additionally, Turkish shows accounted for the top three productions in Spain in the first half of 2023, according to television analytics company Glance. According to an article in The Economist, weekly programmes in Turkey that air for up to three hours are split into shorter episodes and broadcast for extended lengths of time in other nations.
Most television shows that are broadcast abroad are dubbed. Viewers often find it more convenient when Spanish dubbing is used in Spain and many other Latin American countries. Languages like Greek or Polish are better off with subtitles. Watchers do not even need to wait for dubbed broadcasts to begin learning Turkish. The Turkish series is appealing because of its gorgeous scenery, opulent costumes, cultural understanding and elegant and attractive acting, claims The Economist.
Portugal received a license to air the television series “Kardeşlerim,” or “For My Family,” which is marketed to over 90 countries and distributed by ATV Distribution. The show is notable for being the first ATV programme to be licensed to Portugal. “For My Family” made its Portuguese television debut on the SIC channel on February 17. It has been sold to numerous countries worldwide and has caused ratings disruptions in the nations where it has been aired. Every day at prime time, the popular series will air on the SIC channel.
The series created in Turkey is aired in more than 170 countries worldwide, including the United States, Russia, the Far East, and Latin America, reaching an estimated 750 million viewers, according to Batuhan Mumcu, the deputy minister of culture and tourism.
Mumcu went to the European Film Market (EFM) as part of the 74th International Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale), which is still taking place in Berlin, the German capital, which also houses the Turkish pavilion. He also emphasized that Berlinale and the European Film Market are one of the most important cinema events in the world.
Emphasizing the importance of participating in this organization, which is followed by the whole world and brings together thousands of sector representatives, and successfully representing Turkish cinema, Mumcu said: “We had previously won many awards, including the Golden Bear, the major award at the Berlinale. Ministry-supported cinema films participate in the world’s most important international film festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Tokyo, contributing to the promotion of Turkish cinema and our country. We attach great importance to this and continue our support for both film production and international representation.”
The cinema industry
Mumcu shared that they have started work on organizing a fair in Turkey in the field of series content, considering the country as one of the leading countries in the field of series content.
Reiterating that cinemas had to close their doors for a long time during the COVID-19, and there was a significant decrease in the number of viewers both in Turkey and globally, Mumcu said: “During this period, we provided support of TL 32 million (more than $1 million) to cinema halls to continue their activities. In addition to this, we reduced the ‘Entertainment Tax’ rate to 0% in cooperation with our Ministry of Treasury and Finance.”
Mumcu also drew attention to a legislative change made to increase the number of cinema viewers and said that they introduced two new discounted ticket types, saying: “We opened the way for private institutions to buy discounted tickets. We believe that this regulation will significantly contribute to the number of viewers in 2024. Our cinema sector has started this year very well. As of February 2024, the number of viewers increased by 34% compared to the same period last year. We predict that we will exceed 40 million viewers with a 30% increase compared to the previous year in 2024.”
Deputy Minister Mumcu also mentioned the efforts regarding the filming of foreign film productions in Turkey within the scope of Berlinale, emphasizing that Turkey has a natural plateau feature with its rich history and natural beauties. Pointing out that many important productions with world stars such as Guy Ritchie, Jason Statham, Hugh Grant, Josh Hartnett, Henry Cavill and Salman Khan were filmed in Turkey, Mumcu said: “Many Hollywood productions want to shoot in our country. I am sure we will host numerous productions in Turkey in the coming period.”
Source: Daily Sabah
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