Turkey is a beautiful country that bridges two continents - transcending innumerable cultures and remnants of history to create a characteristic identity of its own. In addition to the mesmerizing and multitudinous natural sites, and true historical significance, Turkey also has a quite distinguishable quality: new markets are emerging at a fast pace, and established industries are growing without pause.
The film industry is an extremely powerful device to further bond Turkey and the globe. The efforts of filmmakers are more than essential in this process, and this is the point where the importance of the Turkish Film Council becomes evident. My desire is to maintain the stance of the Turkish Film Council as a user-friendly asset to filmmakers who desire to foster intercultural communication, and who would like to benefit from the crucial consultations we offer. I believe that film is a medium that connects the viewer and the show with a strength unmatched by other media, and the filmmaking process has certainly become less burdensome in Turkey thanks to the Turkish Film Council.
Turkish Film Council aims to increase the quantity as well as the quality of films produced in Turkey, and films that are produced abroad by Turkish directors. We believe in the value of counterpart organizations and cooperate in the most benevolent fashion to connect Turkish film professionals with their international peers. In my role as president, I am constantly on the lookout for the filmmakers and their best interests as I intend to connect them with the most specialized institutions. We also aim to fully cooperate with any future joint ventures for American-Turkish movies.
The Turkish Film Council is eager to share some of the best-kept secrets of Istanbul and Turkey with fellow visiting professionals. It is important for us to help identify the most suitable, photographic, and relevant locations for filming. We aim to present the high production value of Turkey abroad, and I am proud to claim that we are the primary source of information for filmmakers who are plan to shoot in Turkey. In addition to providing information to inquiring filmmakers, we are also providing solutions via communicating the filmmakers' needs to municipalities and other governmental institutions whenever deemed necessary. As any filmmaker knows, communication is a key feature of a successful production process—and we handle behind the scenes by coordinating the work of various private and public institutions.
Our consultation services include guidance on the selection of locations: natural sites, residential areas, cultural centers and beyond. The consultation also includes valuable information on the significance of the selected destinations, the requirements to film at a specific destination, recommendations for local production companies, and important local contacts who will facilitate the filming process.
We have three ongoing projects regarding the Comet Awards, a dinner party with 500 influential guests, and the TFC talent service respectfully. The Comet Awards© will bring Turkish actors to Hollywood for an annual awards ceremony to receive awards and accolades for top performances in the corresponding year’s movies. Our aim is to achieve Hollywood recognition for the substantial work undertaken within Turkish cinema.
Each year, the Turkish Film Council plans to host a dinner party for 500 influential persons within the Hollywood film community. The purpose of the dinner reception is to draw the attention of Hollywood producers to Turkey’s most beautiful and photogenic sites.
Finally, the TFC Talent Service is set to open its doors to showcase actors’ talent within Hollywood. Membership in TFC Talent will provide exposure to producers and studios on a global scale.
Between TFC's consulting services, and working on the above-mentioned three projects, I am expecting quite a busy year, but remain positive that 2011 will lead to many fruitful projects and films that promote Turkey’s extraordinary treasures.
Emrah Yücel