THE UNSEEN ASPECTS OF THE INDUSTRY WITH TUNCAY ÖTER
In this exclusive interview, we host Tuncay Öter, one of the prominent figures in the Turkish film and television industry. He is a seasoned producer and executive producer who has worked on numerous successful projects, leaving his mark on the industry. We had an enjoyable conversation with Mr. Tuncay about his experiences in projects such as 'Muhteşem Yüzyıl,' 'Diriliş: Ertuğrul,' 'Kurt Seyit ve Şura,' and his role in the industry. Here are the details of this special interview that offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes and enchanting world of Turkish cinema.
-HELLO, MR. TUNCAY, WELCOME.
TUNCAY ÖTER: Hello, you're welcome.
-COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
TUNCAY ÖTER: I was born on 28.12.1971. I come from a family of tradespeople. I've worked in various jobs, from being a trader to working as a laborer. I have also been a tradesman myself. Later on, I entered the film industry and worked as a production manager on the 'Muhteşem Yüzyıl' series.
-WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DID YOU UNDERTAKE WHILE PREPARING THE 'MUHTEŞEM YÜZYIL' PROJECT?
TUNCAY ÖTER: When I'm involved in a project, I handle every aspect of it. I pay close attention to details such as location organization, costume preparations, art, and decoration. In other words, I'm involved in every stage.
-IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE SUCCESS OF 'MUHTEŞEM YÜZYIL'?
TUNCAY ÖTER: The most important factor was 'Muhteşem Yüzyıl' shedding light on history. It sparked viewers' interest in history and increased their curiosity about that period. Thousands of books and series emerged as a result of this interest.
-YOU ALSO WORKED WITH HALIT ERGENÇ ON THE "VATANIM SENSİN" PROJECT. WHAT IS HE LIKE?
TUNCAY ÖTER: Halit Ergenç is an extraordinary person. He is not only a talented artist but also a commendable human being. He is someone I enjoyed working with and respect.
-YOU WORKED AS A PRODUCER ON THE 'DIRİLİŞ ERTUĞRUL' SERIES. CAN YOU SUMMARIZE THIS PROJECT?
TUNCAY ÖTER: 'Diriliş Ertuğrul' was a special project that depicted the life of Ertuğrul Gazi. We achieved great success with Engin Altan Düzyatan's outstanding performance. It was a significant endeavor in terms of organization, costumes, art, actors, directors, and the technical team.
-WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF WORKING ON HISTORICAL SERIES?
TUNCAY ÖTER: Working on historical series actually requires management and organizational skills. Forming the right team and taking precautions, such as having a medical team, is important. Additionally, being able to deal with risks is also crucial.
-WHAT MADE THIS PROJECT SPECIAL?
TUNCAY ÖTER: What made this project special was the opportunity to recreate life from 900 years ago. The story of Turkish tribes, migrations, wars, and their settling in Anatolia is very unique. 'Diriliş Ertuğrul' is a production that sheds light on this era and is based on historical sources.
-HOW WAS THE 'KURT SEYİT ŞURA' SERIES AND WHAT WERE THE DIFFERENCES?
TUNCAY ÖTER: 'Kurt Seyit Şura' was adapted from a book, but it couldn't fully meet the viewers' expectations. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ's excellent performance stood out, but the story and some elements didn't fully satisfy the viewers' desires.
-WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT KIVANÇ TATLITUĞ?
TUNCAY ÖTER: Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ is a talented actor with a strong character and great abilities. Working with him was a pleasant experience, as he is a young, witty, and hardworking individual.
-WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND A PRODUCER?
TUNCAY ÖTER: An Executive Producer is responsible for the on-field implementations of a project. A Producer is the owner of the project and is generally a more knowledgeable person. Collaboration between the two is of great importance.
-HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING A DIRECTOR?
TUNCAY ÖTER: The choice of the director is usually made by the Producer, but the director's abilities and desires also play a significant role.
-WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CASTING?
TUNCAY ÖTER: Casting is usually a teamwork. Everyone can contribute to casting decisions, taking into consideration the actor's skills and suitability.
-WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR THE SUCCESS OF A SET?
TUNCAY ÖTER: The set is everything. Every contribution, from the tea maker to the director, from the lighting team to the cameramen, is important. A set becomes successful when all its components come together.
Tuncay Öter's industry experience and valuable insights highlight the significance of a figure who has made significant contributions to the development of Turkish cinema. This interview sheds light on the behind-the-scenes of the industry and opens a window into the enchanting world of cinema. We thank him for his valuable time and shared knowledge
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