Turkey’s film locations promoted in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES - Anadolu Agency

Ben Affleck’s ‘Argo’ was one of the Hollywood films shot in Turkey. Now works have been continuing to draw more Hollywood producers.

Turkey’s places of attraction that could be used as film platforms were promoted at the 29th Locations Show of the Associations of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) held in Los Angeles between March 27 and 29.

The Turkish Association of Film Commission Deputy President and Los Angeles representative Erdal Aktan stressed the importance of marketing in the film sector and said Turkey lagged behind in this field.

“Each state has a commission in the United States. International film producers first apply to these commissions when they want to make a film. But they do not find an addressee in Turkey. This is why we have formed the Turkish Film Commission,” he said.

Aktan said that many projects were received by the commission and producers demanded information about locations in Turkey and costs. He said, “When searching for a film location, producers do not only consider historical and natural beauties, but also financial opportunities, film-making conveniences, accommodation facilities and etc. Incentives and discounts make the country attractive. As the commission, we have gotten in touch with the Culture and Tourism Ministry about this issue. The ministry finished works regarding the law for incentives. We are also making a location guide.”

Producers state the interest of foreign film companies increased in Turkey following the success of films like “Argo” and “Skyfall,” which were made in the country. They think Turkey had a distinctive place in the sector due to its location, reflecting both the Middle East and Europe.