Cinema World Through the Director's Eyes
Cinema world is a universe of enchanting stories and captivating visuals. In this realm, there are many talented individuals working behind the scenes. Today, we are hosting Murat Öztürk, one of the successful directors in Turkish cinema. We had a delightful conversation with him about his cinematic style, career, and the changes in the industry. Here are the details of that special interview.
- HELLO, FIRST OF ALL, CAN WE GET TO KNOW YOU?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: Welcome! I am Murat Öztürk, born in Ankara in 1986, and I studied Film at Ankara University. After graduating, I moved to Istanbul and, after working as an assistant for many years, I am currently continuing my career as a Director.
- YOU BELIEVE THAT EVERY DIRECTOR HAS THEIR OWN STYLE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: Yes, every director has a unique style. To describe my style, I prefer to stay outside the story rather than focusing on storytelling. In other words, I like to observe events through the eyes of the audience. I minimize interference with the camera and prefer to narrate events on the stage as if observing from the outside.
- WHICH PROJECT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST AND WHY?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: One of the most special projects for me was the series "Bir Aile Hikayesi" (A Family Story). This project was a Turkish adaptation of the series "This Is Us," narrating the challenges the family faced over the years through flashbacks and the present day. I enjoyed shooting every scene, the performances of the actors impressed me, and this project was a very special experience for me.
- HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS ON THE INDUSTRY?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: Digital platforms have a significant impact on the industry. However, this also brings some challenges. Especially, finding qualified personnel in such a busy work schedule becomes more difficult. Sometimes, even when looking for a first assistant director, there can be challenges.
- IS THERE A PROBLEM IN THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: Yes, one of the biggest problems in the industry is the excessively long durations of TV series. Extending the durations to reach the audience can disrupt the integrity of the story. Watching a story for such long durations, like 170 minutes, can be
really demanding.
- IS THERE A FILM OR PROJECT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOOT IN THE FUTURE?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: I would like to shoot "Bir Zamanlar Anadolu'da" (Once Upon a Time in Anatolia). This film is a work that impressed and envied me. Making such a magnificent work is a big goal for me.
- HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE USE OF SIMILAR PLOT STRUCTURES IN TURKISH TV SERIES?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: I attribute this to our reluctance to embrace new styles and our tendency to act mostly for commercial reasons. Being open to new styles and telling more diverse stories can bring a fresh perspective to the industry.
- FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG DIRECTORS OR THOSE CONSIDERING ENTERING THE FILM INDUSTRY?
MURAT ÖZTÜRK: I advise those who want to enter the industry to learn not only about cinema but also about art and life in general. Be a good observer, draw inspiration from everything, and don't give up. The industry can be challenging, but working harder and learning more, rather than giving up, are important steps on the path to success.
We thank Murat Öztürk for this sincere conversation. His intimate perspective on the world of cinema, filled with both industry experience and a passion for film, is enlightening. We wish him success in his future projects and invite our audience to Murat Öztürk's enchanting world through his works. With his passion for cinema and unique perspective, we believe talented directors like Murat Öztürk will continue to illuminate the future of Turkish cinema.
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