As we gather in Lille for Series Mania 2026, the global television landscape finds itself at a fascinating crossroads.
The industry is no longer just discussing “change”; it is living through a true metamorphosis. From the rapid rise of micro dramas to the emotional depth of auteur cinema, this issue reflects a world where storytelling refuses to be confined by traditional boundaries. We are witnessing a moment in which Turkish “Drama DNA” is being recoded for new generations, while the giants of the industry look back in order to move forward.
Our cover story features Inter Medya, a company that has masterfully navigated the shift from a distribution powerhouse to a full-fledged “Content Studio.” By establishing a global benchmark in vertical (micro drama) productions, Inter Medya is proving that “epic depth” can indeed fit into a 90-second swipe. As Founder and CEO Can Okan puts it, their mission is to be the “Global Home for Turkish Stories,” ensuring that whether a story lasts two hours or two minutes, the quality remains uncompromising.
The evolution of Turkish content continues with OGM Pictures, as the company signals a new phase of global ambition. Digital Platform Production Management Director Ayşıl Özmen provides an inside look at their 2026 strategy, detailing how the company maintains character-driven storytelling while collaborating with global giants like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Simultaneously, with Berna Levin taking the helm of International Production, OGM is building creative bridges between territories and fostering multi-language collaborations that transcend borders.
While we look toward the future, we also pay homage to the legends that define our craft. Peaky Blinders returns, taking us into the heart of 1940 as Tommy Shelby faces the repeating cycles of history and war. Creator Steven Knight and the cast reflect on the psychological toll of power, a theme that resonates deeply in our current global climate. In a similar spirit of artistic mastery, we also celebrate the return of Wong Kar Wai. His first-ever television series, Blossoms Shanghai, serves as a vibrant antidote to the homogenization of Hollywood, bringing the flashy power games of 1990s Shanghai to life through his unmistakable auteur lens.
The Turkish market itself is buzzing with a unique energy, dominated by the “devil’s charm” of Giray Altınok, whose talent has taken center stage across multiple mediums. We also dive into the “intense” (not just toxic) world of We’ll Be Fine, where Mert Ramazan Demir and Miray Daner redefine modern relationships. Furthermore, veteran producer Zeynep Atakan offers a poignant reflection on her 40-year journey as a woman in film, reminding us that sometimes the greatest strength lies in “determined silence” and in the paths we open for those who follow.
Finally, we explore the intersection of literature and architecture through The Museum of Innocence. More than just a building, it stands as an architectural narrative of Istanbul’s recollection, a reminder that buildings are carriers of our memories and passions.
In this issue, we invite you to explore these diverse worlds, from pocket-sized drama to sprawling historical epic. Whether through a 60-second clip or a 30-episode masterpiece, the goal remains the same: to find the stories that make us feel, remember, and connect.
Enjoy the issue.
