“’The Nightfall’ will continue to resonate globally and it will leave a lasting impression on viewers worldwide.” – Exclusive Interview with Müge Akar, Head of Sales, ATV

For our MIPCOM 2024 issue, we sat down with Müge Akar, Head of Sales at ATV, who shared insights on their latest hit series The Nightfall, along with the ongoing international success of The Ottoman and For My Family.

Müge Akar also highlighted ATV’s global strategy, including its expansion into new markets such as the Czechia, South Korea, and Italy, as well as a growing emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. She also discussed the network’s continued partnerships with major TV and OTT platforms in Europe and Asia, while emphasizing ATV’s commitment to producing high-quality and engaging content that appeals to diverse audiences around the world.

ATV has started the new season strong. Let’s start by talking about The Nightfall. The show, starring Burak Deniz and Su Burcu Yazgı Coşkun, has been the top show of the day in the ratings since the first episode. Could you share your thoughts on the show?

Müge Akar: The Nightfall has achieved remarkable success, consistently topping the ratings since its premiere, which is a testament to its quality in Türkiye’s highly competitive television landscape. The exceptional on-screen chemistry between Burak Deniz and Su Burcu Yazgı Coşkun has captivated viewers. Meanwhile, the development of the characters and the strong narrative structure keeps the audience engaged. Beyond the performances, the series excels in high production quality. It offers cinematic visuals and a gripping storyline. This combination has already garnered the attention of international audiences. And we believe that, as it enters new markets, The Nightfall will continue to resonate globally and it will leave a lasting impression on viewers worldwide.

Müge Akar: “The Nightfall has achieved remarkable success, consistently topping the ratings since its premiere, which is a testament to its quality in Türkiye’s highly competitive television landscape.”

Will the global promotion and sales efforts for The Nightfall begin at MIPCOM 2024? What’s the strategy for the show’s global reach, and have any countries or platforms expressed interest so far?

Müge Akar: The global promotion of The Nightfall will officially start at MIPCOM. In addition to presenting the series to our international partners, we have planned a dedicated event to highlight the show’s unique qualities. It will also provide exclusive insights into the production. Buyers from Europe, the CIS, MENA, and Latam have already shown significant interest in the series, which positions it as one of the most anticipated titles in our portfolio. We are confident that the series will perform well in established markets for Turkish dramas, while also making inroads into new territories.

The Ottoman has started its 6th season, continuing its success since the very first season. How is the show’s international journey progressing?

Müge Akar: The Ottoman continues to dominate both domestically and internationally. The 6th season premiered to top ratings, ranking first in the total audience category. Starring Burak Özçivit, this historical period drama is licensed to more than 60 countries. The international journey of The Ottoman has been nothing short of extraordinary. It remains a flagship series in our catalog. Its powerful depiction of history, combined with engaging storytelling, has made it a favourite in regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Eastern Europe, and we anticipate continued success as the series progresses.

Since MIPCOM 2023, what key deals or developments have you had in terms of global sales for ATV?

Müge Akar: Since MIPCOM 2023, ATV has expanded its global reach, notably entering new markets such as the Czechia, South Korea, and Italy. These markets have represented important milestones for our international strategy, as we continue to broaden the appeal of Turkish dramas across diverse regions. The deals we have secured in these countries underscore the growing demand for high-quality, emotionally engaging content that the Turkish series is known for. We believe that these partnerships will serve as a foundation for future growth and solidify ATV’s presence in these emerging markets.

ATV received a lot of attention for the international success of shows like For My Family, A Little Sunshine, and The Father last season. In which countries or regions have these shows resonated with the most? Are there any recent developments in their sales?

Müge Akar: For My Family has become a hit in Latin America, where Turkish dramas have a strong following. The series continues to perform exceptionally well, maintaining its popularity across every country it airs in. Similarly, A Little Sunshine has been expanding its reach across Europe and Latin America. Both series offer relatable emotional arcs and strong characters, key elements in their international appeal. Recent developments include new deals of For My Family in Panama, Peru, and Spain, and for A Little Sunshine in Ecuador. The Father is also successful, especially in the Balkans and MENA. It will also soon premiere in the US Hispanic market.

What are ATV’s main topics, priorities, and goals for MIPCOM 2024?

Müge Akar: At MIPCOM 2024, our primary focus will be promoting The Nightfall, which we believe will be one of the standout series of the year. Additionally, we will be highlighting the 6th season of The Ottoman, which remains to be popular in our international portfolio. Another key focus will be Safir, which has been nominated in the Telenovela category at the International Emmy Awards, underscoring ATV’s commitment to producing world-class content. Our goal for MIPCOM is to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new opportunities in emerging markets.

With your new series, have there been any changes or updates in your target regions or countries?

Müge Akar: With our latest productions like The Nightfall, we are adjusting our strategies to target both established and emerging markets. Western Europe and Asia continue to be key focus areas for us, as the demand for Turkish content in these regions grows steadily. Furthermore, we are placing increased emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa, where we see a significant potential for growth. Our strategy is to diversify our content offerings and tailor them to meet the cultural preferences of these regions, while also leveraging digital platforms to reach broader audiences.

ATV is working with the biggest TV and OTT platforms in Europe, and it’s becoming increasingly influential in Africa and Asia. Could you share some insights into your experiences in these regions over the past few years?

Müge Akar: Over the past few years, ATV has built strong and strategic partnerships with major the TV and OTT platforms, which have significantly contributed to the growing global demand for Turkish dramas. Through these partnerships, we’ve been able to tailor our content strategies to the unique preferences of different markets, ensuring that our productions not only meet but exceed the expectations of viewers. The rise of digital platforms has further amplified this reach, allowing ATV to deliver its Turkish dramas to wider and more diverse audiences, while also adapting to the rapidly evolving media consumption habits globally.

This exclusive interview with Müge Akar was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.