Historical mansion to become a film studio

EDIRNE - Anatolia News Agency

Edirne’s Eski Vali Konağı will welcome film and TV producers when the work is done in two months. AA Photo

A historical mansion in the northwestern province of Edirne that serves as a perfect example of 20th century architecture will be transformed into a film studio for TV dramas and movies and generously opened to producers free of charge. The former governor’s mansion will be designed as an “Edirne house” as part of works to promote the city.

Film and TV dramas can contribute greatly to the promotion of a place, Edirne Governor Hasan Duruer said. “The Eski Vali Konağı (Old Governor’s Mansion) will become a studio and be used by producers for free. We’ve brought this project to life to contribute to the promotion of the city. Thousands of people go to see the places where these dramas are shot.”

Steps such as the restoration and free rental of the old governor’s mansion were very important steps for the development of the entertainment sector, Film Producers’ Union Chairman Galip Gültekin said.

Turkish dramas and films draw great attention in the world, Gültekin said. “It is very important for our low-budget producers. Nearly 100 cinema films are being made this year. There are friends who have very limited budget for their films, such opportunities will encourage them.”