Location Spotlight: Turkey

As a media professional based in Istanbul, Ozen Aydin has been a vital team member of Haciyatmaz Group for nearly 3 years. As Head of New Business she is responsible for the overseas development of the group. Utilising her expertise gathered over the last ten years in marketing, production, and distribution, Ozen helps drive growth and success in the evolving global media landscape. With a passion for detail and creating compelling content she is delighted to introduce the benefits of filming in Turkey to LBB’s audience.

Why Shoot Here?

Q> How would you pitch Turkey to any production companies looking to shoot in your region?

Ozen> Turkey is a country rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're looking to film, a commercial, a feature film, or a music video, Turkey offers an ideal backdrop.

One of the standout advantages of filming in Turkey is its diverse range of locations. From breathtaking natural scenery to vibrant cityscapes, you'll find everything you need to bring your vision to life. Turkey boasts a wide variety of landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, and crystal-clear coastlines. Its bustling cities offer a mix of modern and traditional architecture, making it easy to find the perfect backdrop for your project.

Another advantage of filming in Turkey is the country's rich cultural heritage. With a history that spans thousands of years, Turkey offers a wealth of unique and interesting stories to tell. Its numerous ancient sites, including the famous Hagia Sophia and the ruins of Ephesus, provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.

At the same time, Turkey is a modern and cosmopolitan country that offers excellent production services and infrastructure. We have a highly skilled and experienced crew base, state-of-the-art equipment, and a welcoming and supportive film community.

Plus, with our competitive costs and a generous cash rebate incentive program, Turkey offers significant cost savings for productions of all sizes.

At Hacıyatmaz, we are dedicated to providing top-quality production services that meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations. We know the ins and outs of filming in Turkey and are here to guide you every step of the way. 

Q> What are the main qualities of your region? 

Ozen> Supportive Film Community: Turkey has a supportive film community that is dedicated to helping productions succeed. From film commissions and production companies to local businesses and organisations, there are many resources available to help productions navigate the production process and ensure a successful shoot.

Overall, Turkey offers a combination of unique locations, competitive costs, skilled crew, modern infrastructure, and supportive film community, making it an ideal destination for commercial, film and TV production.

Q> What would you say are the top locations in Turkey? What is available - from mountains, to beaches, to rocky shore, to architecture, etc. Include plants and wildlife and demographics. 

Ozen> Istanbul: Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and offers a mix of modern and traditional architecture, including stunning mosques, palaces, and other historical sites. The city also boasts a vibrant and diverse population, with people from all over the world living and working there.

Cappadocia: Cappadocia is a unique region in central Turkey known for its striking landscapes, including surreal rock formations, underground cities, and ancient cave dwellings. The region is perfect for productions looking for a surreal and otherworldly setting.

Aegean and Mediterranean Coasts: Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the mountains and countryside. This region is perfect for productions looking for a relaxing and scenic location.

Mount Ararat: Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Turkey and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The area is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the rare Caucasian leopard.

Black Sea Region: The Black Sea region of Turkey is a lush and green area, with dense forests, winding rivers, and traditional villages. The region is perfect for productions looking for a natural and authentic setting.

Eastern Turkey: Eastern Turkey offers rugged mountains, deep valleys, and unique cultural traditions

Overall, Turkey offers a wide variety of locations for film and TV production, from stunning natural landscapes to bustling cities and historical sites. With its diverse range of climates, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, Turkey is an ideal destination for productions looking for a unique and authentic setting.

Q> What location would you say is most popular?

Ozen> Istanbul is the most popular location for production for several reasons:

Diverse Locations: Istanbul offers a wide range of diverse locations, including historic neighborhoods, modern skyscrapers, bustling markets, and serene parks. The city is situated on the Bosphorus Strait, which provides a unique waterfront location with stunning views of the cityscape.

Experienced Crew: Istanbul has a large pool of experienced and talented film crews, including production managers, directors, cinematographers, and sound engineers. Many of these professionals have worked on international productions and are accustomed to working with foreign crews.

Modern Infrastructure: Istanbul has a modern and developed infrastructure, including international airports, modern hotels, and state-of-the-art film studios. The city is also home to several production companies that provide equipment rental, casting, and other production services.

Q> Which location would you describe as the biggest attribute to local production?

Ozen> Again, Istanbul. Istanbul's geographic location, film infrastructure, talent pool, and unique architecture and culture make it a top destination for local production in Turkey. The city provides a wealth of opportunities for filmmakers and photographers.

Q> Explain the climate and the best/worst times to shoot in Turkey? 

Ozen> Turkey has a varied climate due to its large size and diverse geography. Generally, the coastal regions of Turkey have a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The central and eastern regions of Turkey have a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The Black Sea region of Turkey has a humid and rainy climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year.

The best time to shoot in Turkey depends on the region and the type of production. Here is a breakdown of the best and worst times to shoot in Turkey:

Coastal regions: The best time to shoot in the coastal regions of Turkey is between April and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. The worst time to shoot in these regions is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and wetter.

Central and Eastern regions: The best time to shoot in the central and eastern regions of Turkey is between May and October, when the weather is warm and dry. The worst time to shoot in these regions is between December and March, when the weather is cold and snowy.

Black Sea region: The best time to shoot in the Black Sea region of Turkey is between June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny. The worst time to shoot in this region is between November and April, when the weather is rainy and cold.

In general, the best time to shoot in Turkey is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, each region of Turkey has its own unique climate and shooting conditions.

Q> What specific work permits/Visas are required to shoot in Turkey?

Ozen> For short-term visits, there is no visa process that needs to be applied in advance. A gate visa or online visa is valid for most country passports, but it is useful for visitors to research beforehand.

Q> How is the infrastructure in Turkey for supporting large productions? Access to high-level cameras and kit, casting, crews, studios etc.

Ozen> Turkey has a well-developed infrastructure for supporting large-scale film and TV productions. Here are some of the key features:

High-level cameras and equipment: Turkey has a number of rental houses that provide high-level cameras and equipment for film and TV productions. These include Arri, Red, and Sony cameras, as well as lighting and grip equipment, drones, and other specialized gear.

Casting: Turkey has a strong acting community and a large pool of talented performers. There are several casting agencies that can assist with finding actors and extras for productions. Additionally, there are several online casting platforms that allow producers and casting directors to search for talent across the country.

Crews: Turkey has a highly skilled and experienced crew base, with a range of specialists in areas such as camera, lighting, sound, and production management. There are also many freelance crew members available for hire, as well as production companies that can provide a full crew and production support.

Studios: Turkey has several state-of-the-art film studios that offer sound stages, backlots and production offices.

Overall, Turkey's infrastructure for supporting large-scale productions is well-developed, with access to high-level cameras and equipment, a strong casting community, experienced crews, state-of-the-art studios, and a wide range of diverse locations.

Q> What have been your biggest/most successful production in Turkey to date?

Ozen> Folkart “Time”

https://haciyatmazfilm.com/works/folkart-time/

DOs and DON’Ts in the Region

Q> As an outsider, what would you say are the biggest Dos and Don’ts in the region? 

Ozen> Dos:

Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites and mosques, covering your shoulders, arms, and legs.

Do greet locals with a friendly "Merhaba" (hello) and "Teşekkür ederim" (thank you), as it is a sign of respect.

Do try to learn some basic Turkish phrases to show an interest in the local culture and to help with communication.

Do remove your shoes when entering someone's home, as it is a common cultural practice.

Don'ts:

Don't disrespect or make fun of religious sites or symbols, as it is considered highly disrespectful.

Don't drink alcohol in public places during Ramadan, as it is prohibited in Islam.

Q> What would be your number one tip to any coming to Turkey to shoot a campaign/film?

Ozen> My number one tip for anyone coming to Turkey to shoot a campaign or film would be to work closely with a local production company. A local production company can provide invaluable assistance with permits, location scouting, casting, crew hiring, equipment rental, and other logistical issues. They also have extensive knowledge of the local culture, customs, and regulations, which can help ensure a smooth and successful shoot. By working with a local production company, you can leverage their expertise and connections to help streamline your production and make the most of your time and resources in Turkey.

Insider Recommendations

Q> Where would you suggest a foreign production stay while they are in Turkey?

Ozen> If you come to Istanbul, the metropolitan of Turkey, you can check out the big hotels in Taksim and Levent areas. You can also find very nice boutique hotels in Beyoğlu, the historical part of Taksim.

Q> Where are the best bars/restaurants? Any hidden gems you could suggest?

Ozen> The best restaurants in Istanbul are in the Beyoğlu and Beşiktaş region. Also, the Bosphorus line is a very good choice for its fish and kebap restaurants. 

Q> Any other tourist recommendations?               

Ozen> Turkey has a rich culture and history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, making it a popular destination for tourists. Here are some recommendations for things to do and places to see in Turkey:

Visit Istanbul: Istanbul is a vibrant and historic city that straddles Europe and Asia, and offers a wealth of cultural and historical sites to explore. Some must-see attractions include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

Explore Cappadocia: Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey known for its stunning natural landscapes, including unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides. Visitors can also explore underground cities and ancient cave dwellings.

Relax on the Turkish Riviera: The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, offers stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and charming coastal towns. Popular destinations include Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye.

Visit Pamukkale: Pamukkale is a natural wonder in southwestern Turkey that features terraced hot springs and travertine pools. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for its stunning beauty and therapeutic waters.

Taste Turkish Cuisine: Turkish cuisine is known for its flavourful and diverse dishes, influenced by the country's history and geography. Some must-try dishes include kebabs, meze, baklava, and Turkish delight.

Visit Ephesus: Ephesus is an ancient city in western Turkey that was once a thriving port and commercial center. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Trek in the Taurus Mountains: The Taurus Mountains are a mountain range in southern Turkey known for their stunning vistas and challenging hiking trails. It's a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Overall, Turkey has something to offer for every type of tourist, from history buffs to foodies to adventure seekers.