Max Launches in Turkey with Increased Commitment to Local…

Warner Bros. Discovery has officially rebranded BluTV to Max in Turkey, emphasizing its investment in local content with new Turkish originals and popular global titles. Announced originals include *Anatomy of Chaos* and *Jasmin*, as well as historical fiction like *First Göktürk*. The strategic merging of local and global narratives aims to enhance subscriber engagement and showcase Turkey’s unique storytelling tradition.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) officially rebranded its streaming service, BluTV, to Max in Turkey. This shift reaffirms WBD’s commitment to investing in local content and providing a diverse selection of regional stories on the platform. Existing subscribers can now access a broader range of titles and features, notably upcoming premieres like the second season of The Last of Us and the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale.

During the launch event, WBD announced three new Turkish originals: Anatomy of Chaos, which focuses on corruption and revenge; Jasmin, a drama that explores a young woman’s life between extremes; and the adult animated series Feride. These titles complement previously announced local productions, including First Göktürk, a period drama, and seasons 3 of Prince and Çekiç ve Gül: Bir Behzat Ç. Hikayesi.

Jamie Cooke, general manager at WBD, highlighted the strategy of merging successful BluTV content with global offerings to stimulate subscriber engagement and growth. While there are no specified budgets for Turkish productions, the emphasis remains on creating a well-balanced mix of originals. These original content pieces are anticipated to resonate well within Turkey and across various international markets.

Deniz Şaşmaz Oflaz, WBD’s vice president, noted Turkey’s robust storytelling tradition and aims to enhance investments in local talent and productions that reflect the nation’s culture. The rebrand to Max also aims to maintain the existing loyal subscriber base with a strong editorial stance that ensures continuity.

Popular titles from U.S. Max, like The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, have thrived on the platform. Additionally, shows such as The Sopranos and Sex and the City continue to attract viewers. Cooke emphasized Turkey’s rich storytelling heritage, promising a premium streaming experience through Max that features both local and international content.

The series First Göktürk is particularly notable as WBD presents it not simply as a historical narrative but in a more accessible storytelling format akin to Kingdom of Heaven. The excitement around this series suggests potential for attracting a larger audience to the platform. Şaşmaz Oflaz likened the ongoing project potential to the success of Game of Thrones, aiming for a global storytelling of Turkish culture.

A detailed look at upcoming originals reveals the following:
– Prince: A comedic portrayal of an overlooked royal son whose lack of a name leads to an identity issue.
– Behzat Ç.: A crime drama depicting a chief inspector’s struggles against systemic crime in Ankara.
– Anatomy of Chaos: Focusing on a collaboration between a crime boss and a doctor seeking revenge.
– Jasmin: The tale of a young woman balancing between wealth and financial struggle, complicated further by personal relationships.
– First Göktürk: Epic storytelling around Turkic history and conflicts, aimed at Turkish and Eurasian markets.
– Feride: A narrative exploring the life of a woman in Istanbul navigating between traditional and modern lifestyles with humor and absurdity.

WBD’s rebranding of BluTV to Max in Turkey marks a significant investment in local content, enhancing the platform with new Turkish originals. The company aims to achieve increased engagement and subscriber growth by blending successful local and global narratives. With strong commitments to local talent and diverse storytelling, Max is poised to celebrate Turkey’s rich cultural heritage while delivering globally relevant content. The range of new offerings, including comedy, drama, and historical narratives, reflects a dynamic shift in streaming strategy within the region.

Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com