How AZ Celtic Films is utilising Turkey's international production potential

What is AZ Celtic’s mission and ethos? What inspired you to set it up?

Founded in 2010, AZ Celtic was created to bridge international storytelling with Turkey’s production potential. Our mission is to make complex productions feel simple by combining deep local expertise with international standards. We work collaboratively, protecting the creative vision while efficiently connecting global productions to one of the world’s richest and most under explored cinematic landscapes.

What international projects have you been working on recently, and what’s coming up for 2026?

Most recently, we produced Season 3 of Netflix’s The Night Agent's opening episode, releasing internationally this month. We’ve also worked with “Go Türkiye”, CNN, BBC, Red Bull, and Turkish Airlines.

Alongside our international service work, AZ Celtic is now producing original content. Following the award-winning Turkish feature Hakkı, we’re currently in post-production on a new feature and will continue developing local films and global collaborations into 2026.

Which filming locations are proving popular at the moment and why?

Istanbul remains the key draw for its ability to double for multiple global cities and its global uniqueness. Cappadocia, the Aegean coast, and parts of southeastern Turkey are also in high demand for their cinematic landscapes and accessibility.

Have there been any new or recent developments with local studios, incentives, or infrastructure that benefit incoming productions?

Studio facilities, technical resources, and post-production capacity particularly around Istanbul, have continued to improve. While incentives are still developing compared to many European markets, Turkey’s competitive costs, skilled crews, and expanding infrastructure offer strong value.

AZ Celtic helps productions navigate these advantages strategically. We’ve successfully accessed incentives for Guy Richie’s Operation Fortune and Sony and Netflix’s third season of The Night Agent, and received strong Ministry of Culture support on The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare for complex locations and logistics.

What should international producers know about filming in Turkey?

Early preparation and strong experienced knowledge are essential, particularly for permits in sensitive locations. Turkey offers far more than sun and sea, from mountains and snow to rocky deserts and dense and modern cities. With modern infrastructure, strong logistics, and the right local partner, Turkey is a highly production-friendly country for projects of any scale.

Paul Bernard, executive producer of The Night Agent, said: Istanbul is the most cinematic city I’ve ever shot in and had every look a filmmaker could want. The local technicians were rock solid.

The Night Agent; credit: Netflix

What has been the most challenging element of a production you’ve been part of, and how do you overcome those challenges?

We can honestly say that few of our productions have ever been simple. Our main challenge is to maximize tight schedules and budgets paired with ambitious demands. Red Bull has always pushed us to our limits on every project that we do with them, which have been many. Currently, we are working on a project where we are landing a plane on a moving train in central Turkey.

On The Veil for FX, starring Elisabeth Moss, we moved a crew of more than 500 to the summit of Mount Hasan—over 10,000 feet above sea level—for ten days of production in severe alpine conditions. At that altitude, safety, weather, access, and medical logistics required absolute precision.

For Guy Richie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the script required long-term access to a highly specific port location, as well as explosives and complex effects. Through close coordination with authorities and the Ministry of Culture, we secured exclusive use of the port for over five months and all required permits, turning a high-risk logistical challenge into a controlled and safe production environment.

What are the biggest differences between feature/TV productions and commercial shoots?

Feature films and television series require long-term planning, narrative continuity, and sustained collaboration over weeks or months. Commercial shoots, by contrast, are fast-paced, highly compressed, precision-driven decisions are made quickly, and execution must be flawless.

AZ Celtic is structured to handle both: agile enough for high-end commercials, and robust enough for long-form storytelling.

What does AZ Celtic offer that sets it apart from other production service companies in Turkey?

AZ Celtic operates as an experienced creative partner, not just a service provider. We understand international workflows, cultural expectations, and the creative demands of producers, directors, and studios, allowing us to add meaningful value across productions ranging from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Two Faces of January, and Argo to The Night Agent.

On The Night Agent, only a small core US crew traveled to Istanbul. We built and led a predominantly Turkish crew that delivered at an international studio level—maintaining creative standards while significantly reducing costs. The difference lies in knowing the right people and building teams that consistently meet global benchmarks.

What about filming in Turkey has changed since AZ Celtic opened?

There is now far greater international awareness of Turkey as a serious production destination, alongside major improvements in crew experience, technology, and infrastructure. Expectations are higher and so is the level of professionalism. AZ Celtic has grown alongside this shift, helping shape a more internationally fluent production environment.

What advice would you give to international producers wanting to work with AZ Celtic or film in Turkey?

Engage early and communicate openly. The more clearly we understand your creative and logistical priorities from the outset, the more value we can add at every stage of the production. We maintain strong, trusted relationships with the Ministry of Culture and other key government bodies, enabling productions to move efficiently and maximize their ambitions.

Turkey offers enormous creative and logistical potential, and with the right partner, productions can move quickly, confidently, and creatively. AZ Celtic is there to ensure the process is smooth, transparent, and fully supported from early prep through to wrap.

Answers by AZ Celtic Films founder and producer Zeynep Sutherland.