“DICM is a very special market for TRT Sales, not only because of its strategic importance for the MENA region, but also because of the cultural and emotional connection between our stories and audiences here,” says Mustafa İlbeyli, Director of Advertising & Sales at TRT Sales.
For our DICM 2025 issue, we sat down with İlbeyli to discuss the company’s newest dramas, Children of Paradise and Deep in Love, and how the company continues to expand its reach across the MENA region and global markets.
You’ve just attended MIPCOM 2025 with two brand-new titles. How was the market overall for TRT Sales this year?
MIPCOM 2025 has been a dynamic and insightful experience for TRT Sales. We noticed a very strong turnout this year, and the overall atmosphere was one of optimism and exploration. For us, it was not only about presenting our new titles but also about deepening our relationships with existing partners and establishing new connections across different regions. The global demand for content that blends emotional storytelling with cultural depth is growing, and this aligns perfectly with TRT’s creative vision. Our meetings reaffirmed that international buyers continue to value the distinctiveness and production quality of TRT’s dramas, as well as our broader catalogue that spans documentaries, kids’ content, and factual entertainment. Overall, it was an encouraging and productive market that set a positive tone for the coming year.
TRT Sales launched Children of Paradise and Deep in Love at this year’s MIPCOM. How was the interest in these series among international buyers?
Both Children of Paradise and Deep in Love generated significant curiosity and enthusiasm among buyers at MIPCOM. We had numerous productive conversations about these titles, which gave us a sense of their potential in different territories. While it’s still early to finalize any concrete deals, what we’ve gained from these discussions is very valuable. It shows there’s a strong foundation for long-term collaborations. Thematically and visually, both series stand out. Deep in Love is an epic Black Sea drama that explores vengeance, forbidden love, and fate. Its cast plays a crucial role in amplifying this emotional intensity; Ulaş Tuna Astepe brings his trademark depth and charisma, while Deniz Baysal’s emotional range and Yeşim Ceren Bozoğlu’s powerful screen presence elevate every scene. These are actors who have become household names through their nuanced portrayals and authenticity, and their involvement gives Deep in Love a strong artistic and commercial edge in international markets.
Children of Paradise, on the other hand, delivers a profound story of redemption, family, and identity, and its cast is equally exceptional. İsmail Hacıoğlu, known for his intensity and versatility, anchors the story with a commanding performance. Özgü Kaya and Melisa Şenolsun add both emotional vulnerability and freshness, while Zafer Algöz and Yurdaer Okur lend the series gravitas and credibility. The combination of such talent not only ensures high production quality but also signals to buyers that these are world-class dramas capable of resonating beyond borders. Both titles demonstrate TRT’s commitment to crafting powerful, character-driven narratives supported by some of Türkiye’s most accomplished and respected actors, a combination that continues to attract international attention and acclaim.
We’re now here at DICM 2025, a key market for the MENA region. What are your expectations for this year’s edition?
DICM is a very special market for TRT Sales, not only because of its strategic importance for the MENA region, but also because of the cultural and emotional connection between our stories and audiences here. We expect this year’s edition to be a strong continuation of that relationship. Our focus is on deepening partnerships with regional broadcasters and platforms while showcasing a broad and diverse slate of content. Children of Paradise and Deep in Love are among our key highlights, as both titles carry universal themes of love, identity, and resilience that resonate deeply with MENA viewers. At the same time, we’re also presenting a range of new dramas, documentaries, and children’s programs that reflect TRT’s mission to share meaningful, high-quality stories with the world. We believe DICM will serve as an important bridge for building future collaborations and expanding the global footprint of TRT content.
This interview was featured in Episode Magazine’s DICM 2025 issue.
