El Turco: A historical epic starring Can Yaman
In today’s audiovisual landscape, El Turco stands out as an epic historical series centered on the character of Balaban, played by Can Yaman. He portrays a soldier in the Janissary army, a force made up of European slaves converted to Islam, who serve the Ottoman Empire. As an Ottoman intelligence officer, Balaban’s fate changes dramatically during the famous Battle of Vienna in 1683, where the Ottoman army suffers a crushing defeat. Captured after the battle, Balaban manages to escape and finds refuge in the remote village of Moena, nestled in the mountains of northern Italy. Wounded and alone, he is saved and taken in by the villagers, who nurse him back to health. Over time, he becomes integrated into the local community and becomes aware of the injustices these peasants endure under feudal lords. Using his military and strategic expertise, Balaban decides to help the villagers organize a rebellion against their oppressors. Due to his Ottoman origins, the villagers soon start calling him "El Turco." This series plunges viewers into a pivotal period of European history while exploring universal themes such as resistance to oppression, the quest for freedom, and cultural tensions. El Turco promises to captivate audiences with its rich historical context and the performances of its actors, especially Can Yaman, whose charisma and screen presence have already won over audiences worldwide. The project also represents an opportunity for MADD Entertainment to continue its international expansion by offering viewers a story deeply rooted in history that resonates with contemporary struggles for justice and emancipation. El Turco fits into a growing genre of productions that reimagine historical narratives with a modern sensibility and universal appeal.
RU: A contemporary romance starring Meryem Uzerli
In contrast to the sweeping historical drama of El Turco, the series RU, starring Meryem Uzerli, explores a very different facet of the Turkish audiovisual landscape. This production focuses on a contemporary and unconventional love story that challenges social norms and prejudices. RU tells the story of Reyan, a 38-year-old woman, and Uzer, an 18-year-old man, who experience an intense and unexpected passion in a small coastal town along the Aegean Sea. Their age difference is not just a simple detail, but a central element of the plot, fueling tensions and conflicts in their surroundings. This unlikely relationship, which defies societal conventions, raises questions about social expectations, moral judgments, and how love transcends boundaries of age and tradition. Meryem Uzerli, renowned for her role in the hit historical series Muhtesem Yüzyil (Magnificent Century), returns here in a completely different but equally captivating role. Her portrayal of Reyan, a strong yet vulnerable woman, adds emotional depth to this story that promises to move and challenge audiences. As for Uzer, the young male protagonist, he represents a complex character torn between his attraction to an older woman and the social pressures that weigh on their relationship. RU deftly addresses universal themes such as passion, sacrifice, and the confrontation between individual desire and social expectations. The idyllic Aegean setting, with its enchanting landscapes and serene atmosphere, contrasts with the inner turmoil of the characters, creating a rich emotional and visual dynamic.
A long-standing collaboration with MADD Entertainment
Our media is honored to maintain a privileged relationship with MADD Entertainment, and this new invitation to the First Look Panel at MIPCOM 2024 is a testament to the mutual trust between our two entities. This collaboration follows our coverage of previous key events, such as the strategic partnership between Medyapim and Merzigo for the global expansion of Turkish drama distribution, and the celebration of MADD Entertainment’s 5th anniversary at MIPCOM 2023. These landmark moments have allowed our team to closely observe the phenomenal growth of Turkish series on the international scene, as well as the innovative strategies being implemented to meet the growing demand for diverse and high-quality content. MADD Entertainment's success lies in its ability to create compelling stories while bringing together exceptional talent. The combination of Can Yaman and Meryem Uzerli for the series El Turco and RU reflects this commitment to offering audiences unique narratives, while highlighting actors who have already proven their talent on the international stage.The growing recognition of Turkish series
MIPCOM 2024 further reinforces the global appeal of Turkish productions. For several years, Turkey has emerged as one of the largest exporters of television series, rivaling giants like the United States and Latin America. The diversity of genres, ranging from historical dramas to contemporary romances, allows these productions to reach a wide and varied audience. The international success of series such as Muhtesem Yüzyil, Kara Sevda, and Erkenci Kus has helped strengthen the brand image of Turkish productions. These series, translated and broadcast in dozens of countries, captivate with their high production quality, intricate plots, and relatable characters. MIPCOM 2024, with the presentation of El Turco and RU, shows that this trend is far from slowing down. The First Look Panel hosted by MADD Entertainment and Variety at MIPCOM 2024 is shaping up to be a key moment of this year’s edition. The series El Turco and RU promise to become new international hits, fueled by powerful stories and exceptional performances. We are proud to cover these events and continue to closely follow the evolution of the Turkish series market, which never ceases to surprise and inspire.About MEDYAPIM: Founded in 1993 by Fatih Aksoy (Producer - Director) in partnership with Güzel Sanatlar Holding A.Ş., MEDYAPIM is one of the leading production companies in Turkey's television industry. Since its inception, MEDYAPIM has produced over 10,000 hours of television content, leveraging its experienced human resources and modern vision. The company has successfully delivered a wide range of acclaimed projects, including TV series, sitcoms, game shows, and entertainment programs. Through its affiliated companies like MF YAPIM, NO 9, FORMED, MADD, and MEDNOVA, MEDYAPIM continues to bring Turkish television series to the global market, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry with each passing day.
About MADD Entertainment: Leading Turkish drama producers, Ay Yapım and Medyapım, have joined forces to form a new joint venture for the international distribution of Turkish dramas: MADD Entertainment. MADD Entertainment was established in 2018 with the goal of being a one-stop shop for international content buyers looking for the best Turkish drama series and content rights. By pooling the international distribution rights under one umbrella, Medyapım and Ay Yapım aim to streamline the process and offer direct access to top-quality Turkish dramas. In a global market where the trend is moving toward disintermediation, MADD Entertainment seeks to forge closer ties with global business partners. The company is committed to creating new relationships, fostering a direct business approach, and serving as a single point of contact for international buyers. MADD Entertainment's mission is to ensure Turkish drama series are distributed worldwide with a diversified strategy, proper positioning, and effective distribution planning. General Manager: Ateş İnce.