Dream it, Experience it, Achieve Success
In this interview, we had the opportunity to meet Yücel Hüdaverdi, one of the young and successful directors in Turkish cinema. He shared his passion for the industry, experiences, and upcoming projects with us. Let's embark on a journey in the industry through the director's own words.
-HELLO MR. YÜCEL, FIRST OF ALL, WELCOME. COULD YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: Yücel Hüdaverdi is, first and foremost, a human being, then a father, and hopefully a director. I actually started in the industry in 2008. I studied cinema in Eskişehir while in university. My first experience in the industry was as an intern at TRT. Fortunately, we had a very valuable producer at that time. Meeting him diversified my journey a bit. Thanks to him, I quickly completed my two-month mandatory internship and soon received a job offer.
-WHICH PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN, AND WHICH ONE PROVIDED YOU WITH THE MOST EXPERIENCE?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: My first experience with a series started with "Kanıt," followed by a period with "Behzat Ç." I was assisting in Behzat Ç., and then I got involved in several documentary projects. However, the "Tek Yürek" series was an unforgettable experience for me because it provided the opportunity to shoot action scenes on ice.
-YOU MENTIONED THAT AS A DIRECTOR, YOU PREFER WORKING IN DIFFERENT GENRES. WHY IS THIS DIVERSITY IMPORTANT TO YOU?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: I didn't want to be a one-dimensional director. I love diversity, working on documentaries, commercials, films, and series. After action-packed projects, we have a film project called "Elephant Steps." This will be our first film, and I have assisted in films before, but this will be my first project as a director.
-YOU'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN PROJECTS NOT ONLY IN TURKEY BUT ALSO INTERNATIONALLY. HOW DOES THIS EXPERIENCE FEEL?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: It's gratifying for me that special works created by Turkish directors and teams receive attention internationally. Working with foreigners provides the opportunity to add value to the industry by bringing different cultures together.
-WHEN EVALUATING YOUR DIRECTORIAL CAREER, DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR WHO GUIDED YOU?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: Yes, Osman Hoca encouraging me to become a director was a turning point for me. Working with him, learning his discipline, and gaining experience in the field were very valuable for me.
-DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING YOUNG DIRECTORS?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: I think they should consider not only the curriculum but also the field to gain experience. As a director producing content, I recommend forming a team with a few people to work together and go into the field.
-HOW DO YOU EVALUATE TURKISH CINEMA, AND WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO HAVE A GREATER INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: Turkish cinema should be more recognized internationally. By producing different styles of work and collaborating with foreigners, we can further develop our industry.
-CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE HINT ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: We are currently working on a documentary project. Additionally, at my own content company, we are preparing for new projects to give opportunities to young talents.
-WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU AS A DIRECTOR?
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: Success means not only financial gain but also adding value to the industry, touching the audience, and taking a step further in each project.
-THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME.
YÜCEL HÜDAVERDİ: Thank you for providing the opportunity to have such a conversation.
Yücel Hüdaverdi's love for cinema, his experiences, and his journey in the industry have turned into an impressive story. His adventure in his inner world and the industry offers a hopeful vision for the future. While his achievements inspire young talents, we eagerly anticipate what he will achieve with upcoming projects.
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