Umay Ayaz
After focusing on the global distribution of the "Celebrity Teacher" format, Udea Media has a clear growth path in different global regions. Señal News spoke with Umay Ayaz, Founder of Udea Media and The Format TV to understand that strategy.
How would you define Udea Media's global expansion strategy?
"Rather than rapid growth in revenue or visibility, the company prioritizes sustainable growth, remaining true to its values of sincerity and reliability. I focus on maturing both Udea Media and The Format TV brands by cultivating meaningful and long-lasting partnerships offering high-quality and tailor-made responses that align with the specific needs of broadcasters and producers. From its early months, Udea Media's consulting and line production services have demonstrated the company's ability to deliver tangible benefits to various organizations and individuals, such as contributing to a project filmed in Turkey that aired in the United States, a remarkable achievement for a company still in its early years."
What is the business focus of The Format TV?
"In The Format TV, we employ a boutique distribution model, selecting a limited number of projects and representations that align with our values and have strong international appeal, ensuring maximum effort and personalized support for each one. We act as a bridge between content creators and broadcasters; we emphasize trust, integrity, and hands-on collaboration. This approach ensures that every project and request is handled carefully, resulting in customized solutions that strengthen partner relationships. Udea Media's success in providing tailored content has been pivotal in evolving many of our long-term partnerships. This customized approach enables the company to stay adaptable and responsive to shifting market needs while maintaining high-quality standards and authenticity in all operations. Additionally, for the past ten terms, I have personally led the 'Advanced Television' department at Acun Media Academy, an invaluable role in which I share knowledge with future industry leaders while learning from them. This dedication to nurturing content and talent reflects Udea Media's global commitment to sustainable global growth."
What business models would you like to focus on, and around what territories?
"Udea Media has positioned itself as a reliable partner in national and international industry environments. We focus on a business model built around customized services tailored to the needs of broadcasters and producers. Our strength lies in offering flexibility and adaptability, allowing us to operate in established and emerging territories. We see strong partnership potential in regions like Europe and MENA, where demand for fresh, culturally resonant content is high. For The Format TV, with a boutique approach again, we are particularly interested in expanding into Latin America and Asia, where the appetite for creative formats is growing. Both brands emphasize sustainable growth and long-term partnerships. They work closely with content creators and broadcasters in diverse regions to deliver customized solutions that reflect local tastes while retaining a global outlook. Focusing on quality over quantity ensures that every collaboration leads to meaningful and sustained success."
How important was it for "Celebrity Teacher" to be recognized in the last NATPE Budapest's "Pitch & Play"?
"Winning the 2024 edition of NATPE Budapest's Pitch & Play competition was a significant milestone for "Celebrity Teacher." This recognition underscores the format's originality, universality, and international potential, placing it in the spotlight at one of the most prestigious global TV markets focused on the EMEA and CEE regions. Being the only Turkish format to win this competition in its 8-year history adds even more weight to its global appeal. This award validates the concept's creativity and enhances its credibility and marketability worldwide. It also opens doors to partnerships and financing opportunities, giving the show a competitive edge in a saturated market. In addition to boosting the show's credibility, winning at NATPE Budapest's Pitch & Play provides invaluable exposure to key industry players, such as broadcasters and producers who regularly attend this major event. Moreover, this recognition serves as a quality endorsement, reassuring potential buyers that the format has been evaluated by experts and judged to have both commercial viability and broad audience appeal".