The distributor’s catalog is headlined by the new dramas Ugly and Gilded Lies, which are making their LA Screenings debut after their successful runs on Turkish television, and are already generating international interest.
Produced by Luis Cabrera, from Los Angeles
Turkish distributor Calinos Entertainment made its presence felt at the latest edition of LA Screenings, driven by the success of its Turkish drama catalog, with two major new releases poised to begin their international journey.
First, the distributor presents the new series, Ugly (Çirkin). Produced by 25 Film, the drama premiered on Star TV in Turkey at the end of March and has shown a clear upward trend in its ratings, with the first episode reaching a 4.70 rating, rising to 5.14 in the second episode, and reaching 5.89 in the third, reflecting its growing popularity and the great reception from the audience.
“We are very happy and proud to bring Ugly (La fea) to this market,” began Cristina Duffy, Sales Executive for Latin America at Calinos Entertainment, in a conversation with ttvnews from the current edition of LA Screenings in Los Angeles.
“It’s a series that has aired eight episodes in Turkey on Sundays, achieving leadership in all sectors. We believe it will be a very strong bet in Latin America, because of its story, the cast, and the production. It will be very popular in Latin American homes,” she predicted.
Directed by Burcu Alptekin and Merve Çolak, the series stars Derya Pınar Ak and Çağlar Ertuğrul in the lead roles, alongside a strong supporting cast including Başak Gümülcinelioğlu, Olgun Toker, Baran Bölükbaşı, Nur Sürer, and Çetin Tekindor.
Ugly tells the story of Meryem Tunalı, a young woman marked by loss and hardship. What begins in a poor neighborhood gradually transforms into a powerful coming-of-age story. Having lost her family at a young age, Meryem grows up clinging to one constant feeling: her deep love for Kadir. Years later, when their paths cross again, their story transcends love and becomes a dramatic journey marked by power, ambition, and long-buried secrets that come to light.
“And the second season is already confirmed to begin in September,” the executive revealed.
In addition, Calinos is presenting the series Gilded Lies (Rüya Gibi), produced by TMC Film, directed by Selim Demirdelen, and written by Emre Özdür, Hazar Kozice, and İdil Ezgi Esen.
Originally broadcast on Show TV in Turkey, the drama combines intense drama with touches of relatable humor, presenting a captivating and entertaining story. The story follows Aydan, a hairdresser from one of Istanbul’s poorest neighborhoods, who finds herself immersed in a glamorous new life when she unexpectedly becomes the owner of an exclusive beauty salon. Behind her sudden rise is Emir, a powerful and enigmatic businessman with his own secrets. As Aydan tries to adapt to this new world, she must also contend with her reluctant business partner, Çiğdem, a rebellious young woman raised in an orphanage whose impulsive actions often get her into trouble.
Meanwhile, a police commissioner determined to investigate Emir begins to close in, eventually crossing paths with Çiğdem and the salon. As the situation escalates, Aydan seeks support from her loyal friend and manicurist, Fiko, while her ex-husband, Tarık, a talented hairdresser struggling to accept his new life, continues to create new problems for everyone involved.
The cast includes Seda Bakan, Uğur Güneş, Ahsen Eroğlu, Emre Bey, Şebnem Bozoklu, and Celil Nalçakan.
“We’ve received considerable interest even before launching,” explained the executive. “Customers have already started contacting us. We believe it will be a great sales success, possibly in the lead-up to Mipcom or Mip Cancun.
