As NEM Dubrovnik 2025 wraps up, we spoke with Ekin Koyuncu, Global Distribution & Partnership Director of OGM UNIVERSE, about the company’s experience at this year’s market, the shift in buyer presence, and the strong interest around their latest titles. Having returned to the event for the first time since 2018, Koyuncu said she was genuinely surprised by how much the market had evolved.
What were your impressions of NEM Dubrovnik 2025?
“NEM was incredibly productive this year,” Koyuncu said. “I hadn’t attended since 2018. Back then, it was more focused on pay TV and OTT services, which worked for us at the time because I was working with Kanal D. But afterwards, the ready-made content buyers moved more toward Budapest, we had to prioritize that market.”
“But this year, I was really impressed, the event exceeded our expectations,” she added. “Not only in terms of the number of meetings, but also because almost all of our clients from the Balkans showed up. In addition to the usual broadcasters, there were pay TV and OTT platforms. So we hit two birds with one stone. In Budapest, we mostly reach ready-made content buyers, but here, we were also able to connect with platforms and digital services. That gave us added value, we were able to build something more than we initially expected. As a team, we’re very, very happy.”
Which titles have you been highlighting at NEM Dubrovnik 2025, and what has been your main focus during the market?
Koyuncu noted that OGM UNIVERSE’s library has grown significantly over the past year.
“OGM Pictures’ library used to be bigger thanks to our past partnership with Eccho Rights. But now, OGM UNIVERSE’s catalog is nearly up to ten titles, maybe even more if we count OTTs. So we have more content to present, and that makes the sales process more enjoyable. It’s great to be able to offer clients alternatives.“
Among the highlights, two titles stood out: 6 of Us and The Fall of the King. “Both of these new dramas have performed really well in Türkiye. Internationally, demand is very strong. NBC just finished airing The Fall of the King in MENA. And now 6 of Us is set to premiere on Atresmedia in Spain. Beyond those, both titles have been selling very strongly. We’re enjoying the momentum because there’s demand.”
“Our daily drama Broken Destiny is receiving great attention, it’s very successful in every region it enters. There’s also Lost in Love, a completed title that appeals to certain territories like Slovakia, where there’s strong interest in finished content. With titles like Lost in Love, Miracle of Love, and Stickman, especially considering VOD interest, we were able to match the right titles with the right buyers at this market. That was particularly satisfying for us.”
Koyuncu emphasized that The Fall of the King has been a standout in their library, and the star power of renowned actor Halit Ergenç (1001 Nights, Magnificent Century).
“The main highlight for us here was The Fall of the King. Halit Ergenç is a major factor, if you ask anyone on the street here to name a Turkish actor they know and love, they’ll say Sultan Süleyman. There’s an incredible admiration for that character, and having Halit Ergenç in our cast gives us a strong advantage,” she explained. “Buyers naturally trust the project because they know he chooses his roles very carefully. His involvement builds immediate credibility.”
“Even though 6 of Us doesn’t have a big-name cast, it’s competing head-to-head with major productions in Türkiye and consistently ranks at the top. In total viewership, it hasn’t lost the number one spot; and in ABC1 and AB demographics, it’s usually second or third. The sales are extremely strong. It’s a classic Turkish drama, which makes it even easier to sell.”
Concluding her reflections on the market:
“So we’re leading with those two series as our driving force. And then we follow up with finished dramas from our library, especially for buyers looking for completed content. It’s been an intense but extremely productive market. We had around 15 to 20 meetings each day!” she said.
Click here to access our NEM Dubrovnik 2025 issue.
