Exclusive Interview | Ekin Koyuncu Karaman, Global Distribution & Partnership Director of OGM UNIVERSE

We spoke to Ekin Koyuncu Karaman, the Global Distribution & Partnership Director of OGM UNIVERSE. She shared insights into the company’s progress since its establishment, highlighting the success of their series, such as Stickman, Lost in Love, and introducing their latest series, Dilemma and When a Man Loves. Discussing their expanding international presence, Ekin Koyuncu Karaman also talked about their participation in NATPE Budapest and its anticipated impact on OGM UNIVERSE’s growth and global reach.

Ekin Koyuncu Karaman: “The perception of our content is quite positive, and there is a strong reliance on its quality.”

What is the current status of OGM UNIVERSE?

OGM UNIVERSE is progressing well. It has been 1.5 years since its establishment, and while everything is still relatively new, having a production company like OGM Pictures, which has already proven itself and achieved significant success in both local and international markets, is undoubtedly a major advantage for us.

Operating under OGM, producing and distributing, has notably enhanced the brand’s recognition, especially in foreign markets. We regularly encounter viewers and clients from various countries who have enjoyed our content on television and streaming platforms. In the recent past, while the focus was primarily on the names of the series, now foreign audiences are becoming more familiar with OGM Pictures and its signature style across all its productions.

As a team, we all have years of experience in the industry. Being part of OGM Pictures, and collaborating with such a young, dynamic, and creative team on content that we all genuinely love and resonate with is truly enjoyable.

The perception of our content is quite positive, and there is a strong reliance on its quality. For example, Stickman. Stickman is a unique project that may not cater to everyone’s taste. However, broadcasting channels acknowledge the exceptional quality and intriguing nature of the series, keeping viewers engaged in anticipation of what will happen next.

Some companies make agreements with us, selecting a certain number of series without necessarily knowing the specific details of each. This is entirely due to the reputation and support provided by OGM Pictures.

OGM Pictures will continue to produce a set number of high-quality content each year, adding to our library. Buyers know that. This knowledge generates significant interest from foreign markets, making our work even more enjoyable.

Currently, our library offers a diverse selection of series including Lost in Love, Miracle of Love, Stickman, and Broken Destiny. Additionally, we are gradually adding OGM Pictures’ OTT series to our catalog. For instance, we recently produced Dilemma for Amazon Prime Video, a captivating eight-episode series with a strong cast and an intriguing storyline, which has been well-received by the audience. As our library expands and our content portfolio grows, we anticipate reaching out to additional channels and regions.

Lost in Love has come to an end. What are your thoughts on the series finale?

Lost in Love’s 26th episode finale delivered a powerful and satisfying conclusion. Lost in Love is a poignant story about healing, exploring marriages on the verge of collapse, friendships tested, and great loves that never had the chance to blossom. It follows two families, deeply entrenched in their pride and status, who face unexpected challenges and disasters, embarking on a journey of awakening.

Throughout the series, we saw each character pursue their own paths, discover their own truths, and heal both themselves and each other.

The final episode leaves us with a profound quote: “Sometimes we are reborn from the greatest disaster that befalls us. The beautiful thing is, if a person changes, the whole family changes.”

It raises the thought-provoking question: is it better to be happy or to be right?

Could you tell us more about your new series, Dilemma and When a Man Loves?

We are thrilled to introduce our new series, Dilemma and When a Man Loves to our audience. Both series are part of our OTT series portfolio, catering to the evolving preferences of our viewers.

Dilemma, an intriguing eight-episode series produced for Amazon Prime Video, has garnered significant attention for its strong cast and compelling storyline. The series follows Neslihan Turhan, the host of the TV show “One Truth”, whose life is upturned by the death of Lal Kaleli, in which her son, Can, is implicated. Caught between motherhood and the principles she believes in, Neslihan faces the most challenging dilemma of her life. Dilemma has been well-received in several markets, including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Benelux, and the Middle East, where Amazon holds the rights. While in other countries, it is available on OGM UNIVERSE.

When a Man Loves tells an entertaining and romantic love story. The series is centered around the accidental romance between Zeynep, a divorced mother of two, and her single, handsome, charismatic, and successful boss, Kenan. The series delves into themes of love, family, and second chances, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Ekin Koyuncu Karaman: “NATPE Budapest has played a crucial role in our company’s growth strategy.”

How do you anticipate your participation in NATPE Budapest in June will impact your company’s growth and international presence?

Our upcoming participation in NATPE Budapest is a key element of our growth strategy. We expect this event to significantly enhance our international presence by providing a platform to showcase our diverse portfolio of Turkish content, including our latest series, Lost in Love, Dilemma, and When a Man Loves. Through networking opportunities and meetings with key industry players, we anticipate establishing valuable partnerships and securing licensing deals in various regions. NATPE Budapest has played a crucial role in our company’s growth strategy, enabling us to connect with new audiences and explore new markets for our content. We are excited about the potential impact of the fair on our company’s future growth.

What can we anticipate for the upcoming season? We are already excited to see what OGM Pictures will produce and OGM UNIVERSE will distribute.

In the upcoming season, you can look forward to a thrilling range of new productions from OGM Pictures. We are already working on numerous exciting projects that are sure to captivate your interest. With OGM UNIVERSE as our distribution arm, we aim to delight our international partners with a diverse offering of high-quality content. We look forward to sharing more about our upcoming projects with you soon.

This exclusive interview with Ekin Koyuncu Karaman was featured in Episode Magazine’s NATPE Budapest 2024 issue.