Founded in 2019, OGM Pictures has quickly become one of Türkiye’s leading production houses. In our interview, founder Onur Güvenatam looks back on his journey as a producer, discusses their hit shows from Golden Boy to Omer, their passion for novel adaptations, and the exciting upcoming project Improbable.
To start, could you tell our readers a bit about yourself? How did your journey as a producer begin, and what inspired you to follow this path?
My journey began with a deep curiosity about people and their stories. From the start, I was fascinated by how a narrative can impact a person, create empathy, and even shift perspectives. That fascination grew into a conviction that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect people across cultures and experiences.
In 2019, I founded OGM Pictures with the vision of creating bold and innovative projects that could push boundaries in both storytelling and form. For me, producing has never been just about entertainment; it is about telling stories that resonate, that allow audiences to see themselves on screen, and that sometimes even help them heal.
What continues to inspire me is precisely this power of storytelling: the ability to transform, to build bridges between people, and to leave a lasting cultural imprint. Every project we take on at OGM Pictures is guided by this belief, and that is what keeps me passionate about this path.
You founded OGM in 2019, and in just six years you’ve produced many series that have made a big impact both in Türkiye and around the world, like Golden Boy, Chrysalis, The Innocents, and Omer. Looking back, how would you describe the last six years?
It has been an extraordinary journey. In only six years, OGM Pictures has grown into one of the leading production houses in Türkiye. Our dramas have reached audiences in more than 130 territories and resonated with millions of viewers worldwide. The success of Golden Boy is a testament to the universal emotions and powerful narratives we focus on. These years have not been without challenges, but they have been deeply rewarding, proving that Turkish series can compete on the global stage.
For me, producing has never been just about entertainment; it is about telling stories that resonate, that allow audiences to see themselves on screen, and that sometimes even help them heal.
Your new shows are spread across different channels. The Fall of the King and 6 of Us are back for the new season, Reborn is on Star TV, and Taşacak Bu Deniz (Deep In Love) is on TRT1. How did you get ready for such a busy lineup, and what are your expectations?
We prepared by building strong, dedicated teams for each project and by diversifying our partnerships. Every platform and broadcaster has its own dynamics, and we see this as an opportunity to reach wider audiences. I expect that each of these shows will not only succeed locally but also travel internationally, continuing OGM Pictures’ mission to expand the global reach of Turkish storytelling.
Last season, we saw an important new step for the industry: The Fall of the King began streaming on Netflix Türkiye after its TV broadcast. Other producers have also made similar agreements with different streaming platforms. Do you see this as a way forward for an industry struggling with rising costs and the economic crisis?
Our industry is going through a challenging period, and this challenge pushes us to assess alternative windows for our shows. When a series first airs on television and then continues its life on a digital platform, it extends the story’s journey and allows it to meet audiences in different ways. For broadcasters, it means their content continues to live beyond the initial broadcast window. For platforms, it is a chance to share proven stories with their subscribers.
OGM Pictures gives real importance to adapting novels and books. You’ve adapted Gülseren Budayıcıoğlu’s works, and also Kübra by Afşin Kum and Aşıklar Bayramı by Kemal Varol. Recently you acquired rights to Improbable by Adam Fawer. How did this process unfold, and what are your expectations?
Adapting Improbable is truly exciting for OGM Pictures, not only because it is the first time in many years that a Turkish producer has secured rights to a globally renowned foreign novel, but also because it represents a new stage in our storytelling journey.
What drew me most to Improbable was its universal resonance. The novel explores themes of probability, destiny, and choice, concepts that are both deeply philosophical and dramatically gripping. These themes transcend geography and culture, and I believe they will resonate strongly with audiences in Türkiye and internationally. Our expectation is not only to create a high-quality adaptation, but also to build a project that pushes the boundaries of Turkish series production. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that Turkish producers can bring world literature to the screen at an international standard, while still giving it a local soul. I see Improbable as a bridge between cultures, between genres, and between Turkish creativity and global audiences.
What drew me most to Improbable was its universal resonance. The novel explores themes of probability, destiny, and choice, concepts that are both deeply philosophical and dramatically gripping. These themes transcend geography and culture, and I believe they will resonate strongly with audiences in Türkiye and internationally.
Looking ahead, what are OGM Pictures’ short-term goals? Are you considering co-productions with international producers? What about cinema?
Our short-term goal is clear: to continue strengthening OGM Pictures’ international footprint while diversifying the types of stories we tell. On the series side, we want to deepen our collaborations with global broadcasters and platforms. Building co-productions with international partners is, therefore, a natural next step. These partnerships allow us to blend different storytelling traditions, reach wideraudiences, and share risks in an increasingly challenging economic environment. At the same time, cinema has always been a personal passion of mine, and I see it as an essential part of OGM Pictures’ future. Film carries a different weight compared to television. It allows for more concentrated, artistic storytelling and can leave a lasting cultural footprint.
Importantly, cinema is not only a way to speak to local audiences but also a way to represent Türkiye globally. It strengthens our international presence and gives Turkish productions greater visibility on the global festival and awards circuit.
This exclusive interview with Onur Güvenatam was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2025 issue.
