President of TESK Palandöken: “TV series export revenue should be increased to over 1 billion dollars”

The President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), Bendevi Palandöken, drew attention to Turkey’s series export potential, stating that ‘Considering our country’s potential, our annual series export of 600 million dollars should be increased to over 1 billion dollars.’ TESK President Bendevi Palandöken made a press statement regarding Turkey’s series exports. Palandöken mentioned that the demand for Turkish series has increased worldwide with the pandemic, saying, ‘Our annual series export, which was 300 million dollars, has reached 600 million dollars since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. It is stated that the demand for Turkish series has increased by 184% with the pandemic. Considering our country’s potential, our annual series export of 600 million dollars should be increased to over 1 billion dollars.’ Palandöken pointed out that Turkish series, watched by 500 million people in 150 countries, especially feature Turkish carpets, copper and silver works, jewelry, fashion, ready-to-wear, and furniture sectors produced by our country’s artisans. He emphasized the importance of promoting local brands in the field of textiles by paying more attention to domestic design and production in costumes in series and movies. He also highlighted the necessity of including agricultural products unique to our country such as apricots, dried grapes, figs, and hazelnuts in our series and movies. Palandöken underlined the importance of introducing Turkey’s historical and natural beauties to the world through series and movies, stating, ‘Locations featured in popular films and series have become one of the most important factors influencing people’s holiday preferences. Including historical and touristic places in series and movies offers a kind of advertisement that will be watched by millions of people. Because people now travel to get to know the culture of the characters they see in movies and to see the places they live. Therefore, our country’s historical and natural beauties and popular tourism regions should be introduced to the whole world through series and movies. Companies producing local productions should be able to make state-supported promotions in countries where series and movies are sold. Film and series tourism make a significant contribution to both the economy of the place where the film is shot and the country’s economy by revitalizing gastronomy tourism and having a significant impact on employment.