Ezel Akay Director, Producer, Actor
Is the country Safe?
As a Turkish Film Producer, I am frequently asked this question, and along with my colleagues continuously maintain that Turkey is one of the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates are low as a result of strong family bonds, social traditions and values, and deep religious roots. Turkey's already low crime rates are at their lowest in the countryside, while -- as in other global cities -- they tend to be slightly higher in cosmopolitan areas and large cities. Of course, you should exercise caution in Turkey as you would in any other major international city, and be aware of pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. The odds are low, but it does not hurt to be cautious.
Obviously, the image of Turkey as an Islamic country cannot be changed from afar. One must actually be here to understand the culture, politics and social life. Since the time of the Ottomans, this is a destination that has conveyed to Westerners an image of Eastern exoticism and mysticism. In reality, the majority of the Turkish population actually thinks of themselves as Westerners with a proud Eastern tradition!
Over the past 20 years, the foreign filmmakers who have worked here have never encountered a safety issue to prevent or delay production. In fact, local law enforcement offices, municipal governors, ministries of cultural and internal affairs and community institutions are extremely supportive and protective of the filmmaking industry.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Turkey produced nearly 300 films a year -- third in the world after the U.S. and India. As they were in those earlier decades, films continue to be the most important social activity for the Turkish people. There is currently within Turkey a huge, vibrant and very young filmmaking community. In every corner of the country, in every little town and village, entertainment production is underway, whether for a TV series, music video, documentary or feature film. Some are co-productions, and some are basic line productions for foreign teams. Locals are accustomed to the excitement, and eager to be part of it, and throughout the country both local and foreign filmmakers are treated as "the most important and interesting people" on earth!
It is also well understood by the entire population that films are the most important tool for promoting the Turkish culture. For the first time in Turkish political history, our late Cultural and Tourism Minister came from a filmmaking background, having been a first assistant director who was also married to a production designer!
Regarding issues of international terrorism, Turkey remains safer than most western countries. Although the Turkish parliament voted against taking part in the Iraqi invasion, the government never sided with the Saddam regime. This balanced position has placed Turkey in a very secure position within both the Muslim world and in Europe. Turkey’s democratic government, supported by the lowest inflation rate in the past 50 years (at 9%) is responsible for the most peaceful and economically stable era in three decades.
There are many ways to arrange for international film production in Turkey. Film Insurance is one tool for providing a secure transaction, and there are both local and international insurance companies experienced in coordinating film production business arrangements. Over the past two years, at least six feature films have been co-produced in Turkey. They all have benefited from new industry regulations set forth by the government, and production teams have returned home with wonderful memories of their Turkish experience.
Of course, words and statistical data are never enough to understand the true Turkish environment. We always invite fellow filmmakers, investors, and prospective partners for a short excursion to enjoy their own “reality check"!
Come and enjoy!