Şükrü Özyıldız on ‘Loveberry’ – Exclusive Interview

What about Loveberry impressed you the most and made you want to take on the project?

Loveberry is a project with just the right amount of complexity. All the characters are crafted with certain human sensitivities and harsh realities, and the storyline is incredibly well-executed. Tayfun is a deep character unlike any I have portrayed before, with a unique sense of revenge that comes from a very different perspective on life. He’s someone who started life at a great disadvantage, and to close that gap, he’s had to resort to nearly every possible measure. Loveberry contains many elements that excite me and make me believe in its intriguing and captivating nature.

Şükrü Özyıldız: “Tayfun is a deep character unlike any I have portrayed before, with a unique sense of revenge that comes from a very different perspective on life.”

Tayfun is a mysterious character for the audience. We know he’s a doctor, who has worked in different parts of the world, but is no longer practicing. He’s clear about his life and what he wants. How would you describe Tayfun?

Şükrü Özyıldız: Tayfun is full of surprises, and as you said, the side we see is what he intentionally chooses to show. He’s great at hiding his vulnerabilities and is fully aware of his shortcomings, doing what’s necessary to overcome them. However, it’s already too late for some things, so he comes up with his own solutions. As the audience gets to see the real Tayfun, some may be angry with him, but ultimately, they’ll empathize with his journey.

We don’t know much about Tayfun’s family, and he doesn’t want anyone to know that he’s back in Istanbul. For someone as independent and self-reliant as he is, it’s interesting that he falls for someone like Zuhal, who appears to be his opposite. What do you think about Tayfun and Zuhal’s relationship?

Şükrü Özyıldız: Tayfun’s feelings for Zuhal are deeply intertwined with his own journey of healing. When we meet him in the story, he’s made some big, radical decisions. He’s focused on making amends for his past mistakes, addressing his shortcomings, and building a version of himself he can truly be proud of. Zuhal’s books and personal development videos have played a big part in that journey, sparking a deep curiosity about her. He has started planning ways to enter her life. As he gets to know her, that curiosity evolves into a passionate love.

It seems like Tayfun would help Zuhal realize she can have her own life and happiness and encourage her to fight for it. How do you think Zuhal would impact Tayfun’s life?

Absolutely. Tayfun is already very open to change. But real transformation starts with understanding and forgiving yourself. That’s where Zuhal could play a huge role in helping him.

Your chemistry with İrem Helvacıoğlu has been really well received. How are things going on set and during filming?

Şükrü Özyıldız: İrem is an actress I really admire. She’s been preparing for this role for a long time and has completely internalized it. Zuhal is both a very enjoyable and challenging character to play, and she does complete justice to her scenes. She’s also a supportive and dedicated partner.

Loveberry will be introduced to the world at one of the most important content markets, MIPCOM. What would you like to say to your viewers in Türkiye and around the world?

Şükrü Özyıldız: It’s a great honor to have our project showcased at a market that determines the content followed by global audiences. I’d like to take this opportunity to send my love to all our viewers, both in Türkiye and internationally, who have been following and supporting us.

This interview with Şükrü Özyıldız was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.