Turkish television shows to launch in China
According to an official from the Services Exporter Association, Turkish TV series have been viewed by 800 million people globally, spanning 170 countries
Already basking in worldwide acclaim with exports to approximately 170 nations annually, Turkish television dramas have now turned their gaze toward a fresh horizon: China.
Fatih Aksoy, the head of entertainment and cultural services at the Services Exporter Association, conveyed to Anadolu that Turkish dramas not only bolster the tourism sector but also various industries, given their extensive international reach.
Aksoy emphasized the prevalence of emotions in Turkish dramas, noting their family-friendly nature as a key factor in their global appeal.
Highlighting the strong demand for Turkish dramas in regions like Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, as well as countries such as Russia, Portugal, and Spain, Aksoy expressed confidence in their potential success in the Chinese market.
He pointed out that six Turkish television channels air dramas during prime time. Each channel commissions 10 to 12 series annually, totaling 60 to 70 new series each year.
Regarding successful dramas, Aksoy observed that those featuring female leads tend to outsell those with male leads.
Aksoy remarked on the differing perceptions of Turkish dramas in Türkiye compared to other countries, noting that international audiences typically come across only the most successful series.
He noted that the cost per episode of a series averages around $300,000, with producers earning revenue through foreign sales.
Aksoy cited popular series like “Blooming Lady” (Bahar) and “Yargi: Family Secrets,” mentioning that Turkish dramas have the potential to reach 800 million viewers globally.
He explained that series are typically sold as seasons, with export prices ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 per series, depending on the project and country.
Aksoy highlighted the revenue-generating potential of series like “The Magnificent Century” and “Forbidden Apple,” attributing their success to factors such as the high episode count and extensive international distribution.
Turkish dramas and their impact on tourism
Aksoy underscored the significant contribution of Turkish dramas to tourism, particularly in fostering a connection between the series and the city of Istanbul.
He emphasized the positive effects of Turkish dramas on viewers’ perceptions of Türkiye, leading to increased trust in Turkish products and services.
Türkiye’s prominence in global series industry
Aksoy noted the transformative impact of Turkish dramas on Türkiye’s image, asserting that the country has emerged as a dominant force in the series industry, surpassing even the United States in terms of series popularity.
He highlighted the enduring appeal of Turkish dramas worldwide, despite any negative narratives about Türkiye, citing viewers’ continued interest in the engaging storytelling and portrayal of Turkish culture.
Bozdag Plateau: A cultural and touristic hub
Producer and screenwriter Mehmet Bozdag emphasized Türkiye’s pivotal role in meeting the global demand for quality series content.
Bozdag highlighted the resilience of Türkiye’s entertainment industry during the pandemic, noting the success of producing high-quality content even during challenging times.
He pointed out that his production company, Bozdag Film, exports content to over 105 countries, appealing to diverse audiences worldwide.
Bozdag attributed their success to the compelling storytelling of ancient tales, the excellence of cinematography, and the swift delivery of engaging content to viewers.
He shared that the newly established Bozdag Plateau has already welcomed over 50,000 tourists, serving as a cultural and historical attraction.
Bozdag expressed the goal of hosting 1 million visitors annually on their plateaus, emphasizing the role of their productions in boosting various sectors in Türkiye, including tourism and hospitality.
Source: AA
