Endemol is expanding into the booming Turkish TV market with its first primetime scripted projects, including Endemol Turkey‘s first scripted drama, titled “Broken Pieces,” for which sales company Global Agency is said to be in negotiations with ten broadcasters outside Turkey.
A romantic drama penned by local hit maker Ayfer Tunc (“Aliye,” “1001 Nights”), “Broken Pieces” (pictured) toplines local stars Erkan Petekkaya and Nurgul Yesilkaya. It is being directed by Cevdet Mercan, whose credits include popular Turkish skeins and telepics, including family saga “Asi” and Istanbul-set “Gonulcelen,” inspired by “My Fair Lady.”
“Broken Pieces” will preem on prominent private Turkish broadcaster Star TV in December. Global Agency picked up worldwide distribution rights at the recent MIPCOM mart in Cannes.
Star TV has also commissioned from Endemol Turkey contempo Istanbul dramedy “Sparrow Palace,” which turns on a hot young widow with a dark side. Prominent Turkish TV helmer Mesude Eraslan (“Falling Leaves”) is directing with plans to go on air in early 2015.
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Turkuvaz Media Group’s ATV network has instead commissioned “Overturn,” described as a modern day family saga about love and revenge, being directed by prolific Aydin Bulut best known for local hit family saga “Ihlamurlar Altinda.” Known locally as “Alabora,” the series is expected to bow on ATV in a prime time slot in 2015 with local heartthrob Kadir Dogulu in the leading role.
“In the last year, we’ve seen Endemol Turkey expand from a purely non-scripted producer to become a significant player in drama production,” boasted Marina Williams, Endemol’s CEO of Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East/ North Africa operations, in a statement. “Turkish drama is proving very successful among international clients and we look forward to Endemol Turkey’s scripted titles gaining popularity both locally and internationally,” she added.
Turkish soaps are a booming business, exported to some 76 countries.
Endemol Turkey’s scripted business has been launched by the new team headed up by Managing Director Gökhan Tararer. Other recent credits include “The Money Drop” for Canal D, and “Still Standing” and “My Man Can” both for Star TV.
Internationally, Endemol’s scripted programming business has grown by 75% over the last five years and today represents a quarter of the company’s worldwide business.
