Muge Akar: “’The Nightfall' stands out due to its gripping storyline”

The ongoing global expansion of Turkish drama can be attributed to a combination of strong storytelling, high production quality, and the ability to evoke universal emotions that transcend cultural barriers. In that context, ATV launched “The Nightfall” at Mipcom. Señal News spoke with Muge Akar, Head of Sales at ATV, to understand the show's global potential.

What is the global potential of "The Nightfall"?
"'The Nightfall' has already solidified its position as a breakout hit in Turkey, becoming the ratings leader in its slot and captivating local audiences. This early success points to its strong global potential, as Turkish series continue to thrive internationally due to their unique blend of emotional storytelling and high production values. The show has attracted great interest from international buyers, clearly indicating its wide-reaching appeal. The universal themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for justice, along with its cinematic visuals and complex character dynamics, ensure that 'The Nightfall' will resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. As Turkish dramas consistently perform well in regions like the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia, 'The Nightfall' is poised to follow in the footsteps of previous Turkish successes, expanding ATV's footprint in these key markets and beyond."

How would you describe the main features of the show? How would it appeal to global audiences?
"'The Nightfall' stands out due to its gripping storyline, a perfect blend of classic drama elements and fresh, unpredictable twists. The narrative follows Mahir, who returns to Denizli as a police inspector to avenge his father's murder. The show has high-stakes tension, emotional depth, and intricate character relationships. His fateful encounter with Canfeza, the daughter of his father's killer, adds a layer of romantic intrigue that will draw in a global audience. 'The Nightfall' has high production values, stunning cinematography, and carefully crafted set designs that elevate it to an international standard. Additionally, it incorporates all the elements of drama, giving it a fairytale-like narrative that feels fresh while remaining deeply rooted in universal themes of fate, justice, loyalty, and love. The title's ability to marry local authenticity with global storytelling conventions ensures it will have broad international appeal, attracting a wide range of viewers across different cultural contexts."

How important is having a well-known cast to expand the show's global footprint?
"Casting globally recognized actors like Burak Deniz and Su Burcu Yazgı Coskun adds considerable weight to 'The Nightfall' international appeal. With his established presence in international markets, Burak Deniz serves as a major draw for viewers already familiar with his previous work. His nuanced portrayal of emotionally complex characters makes him an ideal lead for a show as layered as 'The Nightfall.' Moreover, Su Burcu Yazgı Coskun is quickly emerging as one of Turkey's brightest stars, and her role in 'For My Family' has garnered her a substantial international following. Her inclusion in the cast brings fresh energy to the series and broadens its appeal to younger audiences who are increasingly engaged with Turkish content. The chemistry between Deniz and Coşkun adds another dimension to the series, making the emotional stakes even higher, which is key to captivating viewers on a global scale. A well-known and charismatic cast is pivotal in driving international sales, as it offers buyers a familiar entry point to the TV series while ensuring higher engagement from existing fanbases across multiple territories."

How important is the show's high ratings in Turkey to reinforce its brand?
"Achieving top ratings in the Turkish market is a strong indicator of a show's quality and appeal, particularly given the highly competitive nature of the Turkish TV landscape. 'The Nightfall' leading its prime time slot is a measure of its domestic success and a crucial selling point for international buyers. A series that performs exceptionally well in a competitive market like Turkey demonstrates its capacity to engage and sustain viewer interest over time, a crucial consideration for buyers. 'The Nightfall' strong performance in Turkey enhances its brand identity. Ratings success also means that they have already been tested with a highly demanding audience, thereby reducing the risk for international networks and platforms when acquiring the rights."