Firat Gulgen: “We are strengthening our growth through co-productions”

Calinos Entertainment launched "Hidden Garden" at Mipcom, a premium drama produced by TMC Film and starring Ebru Sahin and Murat Yildirim. As the company's headliner for the market, "Hidden Garden" is the story of extraordinary love, loss, and buried secrets. Señal News spoke with Firat Gulgen, Founder and CEO of Calinos Entertainment, to understand the show's global potential and describe the company's international growth strategy.

Calinos launched "Hidden Garden" at Mipcom. How would it appeal to global audiences?
"With its internationally recognized cast and engaging storyline, "Hidden Garden" has all the elements needed for international success. The compelling storyline delves into complex relationships and emotional journeys, drawing audiences into the characters' lives and struggles. It showcases diverse personalities, allowing viewers from different cultures to find relatable characters. Its exploration of universal themes resonates across cultural boundaries, fostering a deep emotional connection with the audience. Moreover, the high production quality, featuring stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail, enhances the viewing experience. Overall, "Hidden Garden" combines universally relatable themes with cultural nuances, making it accessible to diverse audiences and ensuring it captivates viewers with its drama, romance, and intrigue blend."

How do you analyze the never-ending growth of Turkish drama worldwide?
"The growth of Turkish drama worldwide can be attributed to several key factors. First, the storytelling is rich and multifaceted, incorporating universal themes like love, family, and social issues that resonate with diverse audiences. High production quality, characterized by stunning visuals and well-crafted narratives, also plays a significant role. The rise of streaming platforms has made these dramas more accessible to international viewers, while the popularity of Turkish actors has helped expand their reach. Additionally, cultural elements, such as traditional music and relatable family dynamics, offer a glimpse into Turkish culture while maintaining universal appeal. Engaging storytelling, high production values, and strategic distribution have solidified Turkish dramas' position in the global entertainment landscape, fueling their ongoing growth."

How would you define Calinos' global expansion strategy in that strategy?
"International audiences have specific expectations for series, often seeking compelling themes such as love, loss, and family secrets. Strong female lead characters and engaging storylines involving children are also crucial. Additionally, a well-known cast significantly boosts a series' appeal. As we acquire distribution rights, we prioritize these elements to ensure our selections resonate with viewers and maximize their potential for success across various markets. We are also expanding our catalog by incorporating award-winning, highly-rated non-Turkish series. This strategic move highlights our commitment to offering diverse, high-quality content that connects with global audiences. By adding these acclaimed titles, we aim to enrich our offerings and enhance our competitive position in the international market. Moreover, we are strengthening our growth through co-productions with several global companies and distributing local adaptations of our Turkish series."

What business models offer the best global growth opportunities for Calinos?
"We are working on a Spanish remake of a Turkish series from our catalog. Additionally, we have started working on a script for an epic drama series for a platform in the United States. We have also started working on a film based on a book inspired by a true story after obtaining the rights of a famous author whose books are best sellers in Europe. We are planning co-production projects by developing stories in Turkey, Europe, and the United States. Having our stories made abroad and distributing them will bring us new global growth."