Inter Medya

Consistency and Adaptability Drive Gains for Inter Medya

A long-standing player in Turkey’s dynamic content landscape, Inter Medya continues to see gains in the competitive drama business thanks to two pillars, according to CEO Can Okan: consistency and adaptability. “Over the years, we have established long-term partnerships with both producers and broadcasters, and today our catalog encompasses more than 15,000 hours of content. This scale allows us to meet a wide variety of needs—from mainstream prime-time dramas to digital-first miniseries. We constantly track audience behavior and market trends. When viewers began demanding shorter, bingeable formats, we responded with our ‘New Generation’ strategy, while continuing to deliver the storytelling elements that made Turkish dramas globally successful in the first place—family dynamics, love, betrayal and deep emotion.”

Inter Medya has also prioritized global expansion, selling titles across every major territory in LatAm, Europe, Asia and Africa, “while also opening up new windows such as airline entertainment,” Okan explains. “For example, several leading airlines have recently added Turkish dramas from our library to their in-flight platforms—a clear signal of our content’s versatility and universal appeal.”

The company’s success has been rooted in its ability to be proactive and forward-looking, Okan says. “We aim to anticipate client needs before they emerge, positioning ourselves not just as a distributor but as a trusted solutions partner. We embrace new spaces, experiment, learn and evolve—an approach that keeps us dynamic and pioneering. Distribution will always remain our core business, but integrating innovations and sector developments into what we do has always been and will continue to be our priority.”

Of course, Inter Medya’s global footprint has also been enabled by its consistently strong supply of Turkish drama hits, led at this MIPCOM by Eshref Ruya, which Okan bills as “one of the most high-profile and prestigious titles on our slate this year.”

From TIMS&B Productions, a frequent Inter Medya partner, “the series marks the long-awaited on-screen union of two of Turkey’s most celebrated stars, Çağatay Ulusoy and Demet Özdemir,” Okan explains. “This first-time casting of the duo has already generated exceptional anticipation in Turkey and across international markets. At its core, the story captures the universal themes global audiences are craving today—love, drama, power, betrayal and hidden truths. Yet what sets Eshref Ruya apart is its cinematic scale, emotional intensity and distinctive storytelling, qualities that have become synonymous with Turkish drama at its finest. We are positioning Eshref Ruya as a flagship premium drama with the highest production values. The series appeals to both female and male viewers alike, offering a fast-paced narrative where every episode escalates the tension. Each character introduces a new layer of depth, brought to life through outstanding performances. From script to direction, production to music and acting to cinematography, every element has been crafted to deliver a drama of exceptional quality. For us, every title in our catalog is unique, but Eshref Ruya stands out as a project that not only enriches our lineup but also offers distinct points of connection for every client and territory. Moreover, it further strengthens our long-standing partnership with TIMS&B Productions, underscoring our shared commitment to creating global hits.”

Okan touts the show’s “genre-defying storytelling” as it tells the story of the relationship between Nisan (Özdemir), an idealistic musician drawn into a double life as an undercover informant to protect her sister, and Eshref (Ulusoy), haunted by the memory of his first love. “Their dynamic creates a powerful emotional contrast, driving the story with both tenderness and intensity. Just as the characters embody duality, the series itself maintains a remarkable balance: romance is matched by gripping momentum, and its dramatic weight is softened with moments of warmth and humor. On top of this, the exceptional production values further elevate the experience. From its striking visual design and carefully composed music to its rhythm and pacing, every element is crafted to sustain audience engagement episode after episode. Turkish dramas are already renowned for their emotional impact, but Eshref Ruya intensifies that tradition, offering a bold, refreshing and standout production.”

Inter Medya has also added to its lineup Halef, which Okan says delivers a “compelling mix of modern identity struggles and deep-rooted traditions, following Serhat, a successful surgeon in Istanbul who is pulled back to his hometown of Urfa where love, family rivalries and long-buried secrets collide. With a strong cast led by İlhan Şen, Aybüke Pusat and Biran Damla Yılmaz, direction by Deniz Çelebi Dikilitaş and production by Most Production, the show carries both artistic depth and high production values. Its unique combination of romance, family drama and moral dilemmas sets it apart, and its atmospheric filming locations add authenticity. The series has made a very successful local start, and we are confident that this success will cross borders and turn into a long-lasting, thrilling journey worldwide.”

These shows join a diverse Turkish drama slate at Inter Medya that includes returning highlights like Valley of Hearts, which has been a hit in LatAm and Italy; Deception, recently sold into Spain, Honduras and Italy; and Heartstrings, which has landed slots in Romania, Colombia, MENA and more.

“We are also placing a spotlight on what we define as our ‘New Generation’ series,” Okan explains, highlighting shorter, faster-paced miniseries such as Modern Woman, Fer, Mr. Right and Just Friends. “These titles are specifically designed with streaming platforms in mind, offering tighter storytelling and innovative approaches that blend genres in fresh ways.”

Okan also touts the company’s ever-expanding film lineup and its formats slate, and highlights the company’s move into the world of vertical dramas. “This initiative will see us both producing original content and curating a dedicated catalog of ready-made titles, ensuring we remain at the forefront of one of the industry’s most dynamic emerging trends.”

Co-productions are also a growth area for Inter Medya, Okan adds. “As pioneers of this business model in several countries, we are committed to continuing our leadership in this space. At the same time, we are placing strong emphasis on emerging markets: Southern Europe has become a hub for Turkish dramas, while demand is accelerating across Asia and Africa. And, of course, streaming platforms continue to expand the horizons for our content worldwide. We are actively working to bring the remake rights of our titles to new territories. Our strategy is to continuously enhance our catalog both in quality and volume, while steadily growing our global client base.”Positioning Eshref Ruya as a global event series toplines Inter Medya’s priorities for MIPCOM, Okan says, alongside showcasing the rest of its slate. “But MIPCOM is about more than sales,” Okan adds. “It’s a platform for strategy and partnerships. We are here to advance our co-production discussions, explore new format deals and position Inter Medya not only as a distributor, but as a creative partner helping shape the future of Turkish content worldwide. We will be presenting our vertical drama model, accelerating conversations around potential collaborations in this exciting new area. Our message is clear: Inter Medya is not just keeping pace with global trends—we are actively shaping them. We are showing how Turkish content can evolve with new consumption habits and platforms, while never losing the emotional depth that makes it unique. At the same time, we are investing in the future—building lasting partnerships, embracing innovation and creating content that resonates across cultures and borders. That is our mission at MIPCOM: to showcase the strength, creativity and diversity of Turkish drama and to reaffirm that Inter Medya will remain a driving force in shaping the global content landscape.”

Inter Medya and TIMS&B’s Successful Partnership Continues

Powerhouse Turkish drama producer TIMS&B Productions is once again teaming up with Inter Medya to bring its latest hit dramas to the global market: Valley of Hearts (Siyah Kalp) and Loveberry (Karadut). Inter Medya is launching both titles at MIPCOM, looking to replicate the success the two companies have had on past productions.

Loveberry centers on Zuhal Erdem, a renowned personal development expert at the height of her career who specializes in guiding others through the complexities of love and relationships. Yet, her personal life tells a different story. After losing her mother when she was young, Zuhal dedicated herself to her father and her three sisters, putting her own desires on hold. Everything changes when she meets Tayfun, igniting a passionate journey filled with love and disappointment, forcing her to confront deep-seated family dynamics and her father’s expectations. İrem Helvacıoğlu stars as Zuhal, with Şükrü Özyıldız in the role of Tayfun. The drama is currently airing on atv in Türkiye.

The idea for Loveberry came about in wanting to do a project that centered on a modern and urban woman, says Timur Savcı, president and co-founder of TIMS&B Productions. “For a while, we were developing a project with Sırma Yanık, the writer of popular series such as Fazilet Hanım ve Kızları (Mrs. Fazilet and Her Daughters), Adını Feriha Koydum (The Girl Named Feriha) and Zalim İstanbul (Ruthless City). When she told us about the general idea of Loveberry, we really liked it. The motto ‘only its leaf cleanses the black mulberry’s stain’ inspired us to create the urban woman’s story we were looking for, and we decided to bring Loveberry to life. After some rigorous development that lasted about a year and a half, the bible was designed first, followed by four episode scripts.”

The story features themes of family and love, but also a woman’s struggle and her eventual triumph. “The show is a full-fledged family drama,” says Burak Sağyaşar, TIMS&B Productions’ co-founder and CEO. “Self-sacrificing Zuhal, who shatters herself for the happiness of her family members, will face opposition from her sisters, who don’t want their lives to be disrupted, and be exposed to her father’s mobbing, just as she is about to reach the peak of happiness after finding love. In this struggle, we will watch her rediscover her own strength and rise again—just as how only the leaf of the black mulberry can cleanse its own stain.”

Inter Medya believes the themes of relationships and family bonds will resonate on a global scale, says Can Okan, founder and CEO. “As viewers follow the story of this remarkable woman, they are invited to reflect on the many facets of love and family ties. Loveberry resonates with authenticity, portraying the emotional journey of a woman trying to keep pace with life while being swept in every direction. In this heartfelt story, everyone can find something to question and reflect on. This connection to universal human experiences is what captivates audiences around the world. Alongside her search for her own path, we witness the healing power of love.”

Okan adds that from the very first episode, Loveberry draws viewers in with the thrill of uncovering the truth. “Its compelling, emotional storyline is brought to life through richly developed characters, portrayed by a successful cast,” he says. “The talents behind the show, both in front of and behind the camera, include creators and actors who have been part of projects that achieved international success, positioning Loveberry as a strong contender for the global stage.”

Valley of Hearts, meanwhile, is currently airing on Show TV in Türkiye. Its intricate storytelling and emotional depth have captivated Turkish audiences, already making it one of the most-watched dramas of the season. In the series, Sumru (Ece Uslu) has abandoned the twins she gave birth to at a young age and married a wealthy businessman, Samet Şansalan (Burak Sergen), in Cappadocia. Years later, Nuh (Aras Aydın) and Melek (Hafsanur Sancaktutan) discover their mother’s identity and come to Cappadocia to confront her. Meanwhile, the return of Cihan (Burak Tozkoparan), Samet’s son from his first marriage, increases the tensions within the family. As Sumru tries to maintain her lavish life with her new family, the secrets she hid in the past and the arrival of Nuh and Melek lead to unexpected encounters with Cihan and his reluctant fiancée, Sevilay (Leyla Tanlar), sparking new conflicts within the family.

The discussions on Valley of Hearts started between TIMS&B and writer Yıldız Tunç, who is a frequent collaborator, while the final episodes of Deception were on air. “We believed that a series centered around power struggles within a family would resonate with audiences all over,” Savcı says. “Yıldız came up with a brilliant idea: ‘Let’s tell the story of the conflict between characters with black and white hearts.’ We liked the idea because, since the dawn of the world, the battle between the good and the bad has never ceased.”

Sağyaşar says that what makes Valley of Hearts special is that those representing the good and the bad are members of the same family, with the entire central conflict centering on that large family. “So, this show is also a family drama,” he says. “When the abandoned twin siblings hit the road to find their mother, they discover that she is living la dolce vita. While they try to call their mother to account, both characters fall in love with the other children of the Şansalans, the most powerful family in Cappadocia, who share no blood ties with each other.”

Okan adds that the “star-studded cast and enthralling storyline” are propelling the series. “Set against the stunning backdrop of Cappadocia, Valley of Hearts blends emotional depth with intense drama. The show offers viewers a passionate journey of love, mystery and desire. It has everything global audiences look for in a Turkish series—family intrigue, power struggles and love stories filled with battles for control and dominance. Valley of Hearts is bound to deeply impact audiences worldwide, delivering a gripping tale of love intertwined with a family’s intricate web of secrets.”

Inter Medya and TIMS&B have partnered on the international distribution of numerous projects to date—a relationship that has proven fruitful and a win-win for both parties. TIMS&B’s “exceptional production expertise, meticulous attention to every detail and the work ethic of their entire team make them a truly invaluable partner for us,” Okan says. “It is a great pleasure to collaborate with them and to bring their productions, crafted with such dedication and care, to global audiences. The achievements of TIMS&B Productions’ titles have garnered widespread international recognition. We are incredibly proud to work alongside them, and we are excited to continue building on our shared successes with the addition of these two new titles.”

“We value greatly any company or individual who sees themselves as part of the team and takes risks alongside us in order to bring good stories to life,” Savcı adds. “As a production company in Türkiye, it is us as the creators that carry the most burden from the inception stages of a production until its international sales journey and onward, so within this intense cycle, it is of utmost importance to find solution partners who see eye to eye with us in our strategy and who support us all the way. Inter Medya has certainly become one of those fellow collaborators over the past four years that we have worked together.”

Sağyaşar says that “executing a production is one thing, but adding wings to that production and making sure it soars high all over the globe is yet another ballgame. Internally, we craft our international strategy for each of our series meticulously, but the expertise and wide network that Inter Medya brings to the table is an immense contribution to that strategy. And as always, we are confident that they will bring these two different dramas to global markets with success.”