Turkey has become one of the most attractive filming destinations for international productions. With its diverse landscapes, historic architecture, modern cities, Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, and experienced local production crews, Turkey offers a wide range of opportunities for filmmakers from around the world.

From feature films and TV series to commercials, documentaries, music videos, and short films, international productions can benefit from Turkey’s diverse locations and professional production infrastructure.

However, filming in Turkey as a foreign production requires careful planning. Depending on the type of production, filming locations, crew size, equipment, and technical requirements, different permits and local approvals may be required.

This guide explains the filming permit process in Turkey, the documents international productions should prepare, location permissions, equipment requirements, and the main steps involved in organizing a professional production in Turkey.

What Types of Productions Can Be Filmed in Turkey?

The filming permit process applies to a wide range of international productions.

These include:

  • Feature films
  • TV series
  • TV movies
  • TV programs
  • Commercials and advertising films
  • Documentaries
  • Short films
  • Music videos
  • Branded content
  • Promotional films
  • Digital productions
  • International photo and video productions

Whether you are planning a major feature film, a global advertising campaign, a documentary, a television production, or a music video, the required permits and permissions should be identified before production begins.

Who Needs a Filming Permit in Turkey?

Foreign producers planning to film in Turkey should obtain the appropriate filming permissions before starting production.

The Directorate General of Cinema under the Ministry of Culture and Tourismis the main authority responsible for filming permits for foreign productions.

Foreign productions can submit their applications through the official filming permit application system.

Although international producers can manage parts of the process themselves, working with an experienced local production company can make the process much easier.

A local production service company can help coordinate communication with authorities, identify additional permissions, scout locations, arrange local crew and equipment, and manage production logistics on the ground.

When Should You Apply for a Filming Permit?

According to the applicable regulations, foreign producers should submit their filming permit application at least 10 business days before filming begins.

However, international productions should ideally begin preparations much earlier.

The 10-business-day requirement should not be considered the complete production timeline.

Projects involving multiple cities, public locations, historical sites, traffic control, drones, large crews, special effects, or imported equipment may require additional coordination.

Starting the process early gives the production team enough time to identify potential issues and obtain any additional permissions that may be necessary.

What Information Should Be Prepared Before Applying?

Before submitting a filming permit application, international producers should prepare a clear project brief.

The more detailed the initial information is, the easier it is for a local production company to assess the project and determine the necessary procedures.

The production brief should ideally include:

  • Project title
  • Production type
  • Production company
  • Country of production
  • Producer
  • Director
  • Local production company
  • Proposed filming dates
  • Number of shooting days
  • Cities and regions
  • Estimated crew size
  • Estimated cast size
  • General production requirements

Synopsis

A clear synopsis should explain the story and concept of the production.

For foreign productions, the relevant project documentation, including the synopsis and screenplay where applicable, may need to be provided in Turkish as part of the official application process.

The synopsis should clearly communicate:

  • The main story
  • The production concept
  • The main characters
  • The locations involved
  • The scenes planned to be filmed in Turkey

A local production partner can assist with preparing and coordinating the required Turkish-language documentation.

Script and Screenplay

For scripted productions, the screenplay is an important part of the project documentation.

This is particularly relevant for:

  • Feature films
  • TV series
  • Short films
  • Scripted documentaries
  • Commercials
  • Music videos with a narrative structure

The scenes that will be filmed in Turkey should be identified as clearly as possible.

This allows the local production team to understand the locations, cast requirements, equipment needs, transportation requirements, and possible additional permissions.

For larger productions, the screenplay can also help the production team identify logistical challenges before the crew arrives in Turkey.

Treatment

A treatment is particularly useful for commercials, feature films, TV series, music videos, and visually driven productions.

A professional treatment may include:

  • Story concept
  • Scene descriptions
  • Director’s vision
  • Visual references
  • Camera approach
  • Lighting style
  • Characters
  • Locations
  • Production design
  • Special requirements
  • Key scenes
  • Visual mood
  • References for the overall look and feel

A treatment is not necessarily required for every filming permit application.

However, it can be extremely useful for understanding the creative and technical scope of a production.

For certain official procedures, such as co-production applications, additional project documents may be required, including a treatment, screenplay, technical and artistic crew information, budget, financing plan, and production schedule.

The exact documentation should therefore be confirmed according to the type and scope of the project.

Shooting Schedule

A detailed shooting schedule is one of the most important documents for an international production.

The schedule should ideally include:

  • Shooting dates
  • Cities
  • Locations
  • Scenes
  • Call times
  • Shooting hours
  • Cast requirements
  • Crew requirements
  • Equipment requirements
  • Transportation requirements

For example:

Day City Location Scenes Crew Shooting Hours
Day 1 Istanbul Location A Scenes 1–5 25 08:00–18:00
Day 2 Istanbul Location B Scenes 6–10 30 07:00–20:00
Day 3 Antalya Location C Commercial Scenes 40 06:00–19:00

 

A well-prepared schedule helps coordinate filming permits, locations, transportation, equipment, accommodation, catering, and crew availability.

Location List

Every filming location should be identified as early as possible.

Potential locations may include:

  • Streets
  • Public squares
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Private residences
  • Beaches
  • Resorts
  • Offices
  • Factories
  • Shopping centers
  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Museums
  • Historical buildings
  • Archaeological sites
  • Natural areas
  • Roads
  • Airports
  • Ports
  • Industrial areas

Different locations may require different permissions.

One of the most important things for international producers to understand is that a general filming permit does not necessarily replace additional permissions required for specific locations.

For example, filming at a museum, archaeological site, airport, private property, or certain public areas may require separate approval from the relevant authority or property owner.

Location Scouting in Turkey

Location scouting is an essential part of pre-production.

An experienced local production company can search for locations based on the creative requirements of the project as well as practical production considerations.

Location scouting may take into account:

  • Architecture
  • Landscape
  • Visual style
  • Accessibility
  • Parking
  • Crew size
  • Equipment requirements
  • Power supply
  • Noise levels
  • Working hours
  • Public access
  • Security
  • Weather
  • Transportation
  • Nearby facilities

A professional location scout can also provide alternative locations if the preferred location is unavailable or difficult to permit.

International producers may request:

  • Location photographs
  • Location videos
  • 360-degree views
  • Location specifications
  • Access information
  • Parking information
  • Estimated costs
  • Permission requirements

before traveling to Turkey.

Equipment List

An accurate equipment list should be prepared well in advance.

International productions can either bring their own equipment or rent equipment locally, depending on the project’s requirements.

Camera Equipment

A typical camera package may include:

  • Cinema cameras
  • Camera bodies
  • Lenses
  • Tripods
  • Gimbals
  • Camera rigs
  • Monitors
  • Wireless video systems
  • Follow-focus systems
  • Batteries
  • Memory cards

Lighting Equipment

Lighting packages may include:

  • LED fixtures
  • HMI lights
  • Tungsten lights
  • Softboxes
  • Diffusion
  • Reflectors
  • Flags
  • Light stands
  • Generators

Grip Equipment

Depending on the production, grip equipment may include:

  • Dolly
  • Track
  • Jib
  • Crane
  • Sliders
  • C-stands
  • Frames
  • Apple boxes
  • Camera support systems

Sound Equipment

Sound equipment may include:

  • Boom microphones
  • Wireless microphones
  • Sound recorders
  • Timecode systems
  • Headphones
  • Audio accessories

Special Equipment

Some productions may require:

  • Drones
  • Underwater camera systems
  • Vehicle camera rigs
  • Car mounts
  • Special effects equipment
  • Smoke machines
  • Large generators
  • Special lighting systems

If equipment is being brought into Turkey from another country, customs and temporary import procedures should also be considered during pre-production.

This is another area where a local production service company can provide valuable support.

Cast and Crew List

A preliminary cast and crew list should be prepared before production begins.

Depending on the size of the production, this may include:

  • Director
  • Producer
  • Director of Photography
  • First Assistant Director
  • Production Manager
  • Camera Department
  • Lighting Department
  • Grip Department
  • Sound Department
  • Art Department
  • Costume Department
  • Hair and Makeup
  • Cast
  • Production Assistants
  • Drivers
  • Local Crew

For foreign productions, Turkish regulations also provide for the involvement of a Turkish national guide or fixer, known as a mihmandar, or the use of services from a company established in Turkey, as specified by the applicable regulations.

A local production service company can coordinate the international and Turkish teams and help ensure that the production has the necessary local support.

Additional Permissions You May Need

Obtaining a general filming permit is only one part of the process.

Depending on the production and its locations, additional permissions may be necessary.

Public Locations

Filming on public streets, squares, parks, or other public areas may require coordination with local authorities.

If the production affects pedestrian or vehicle traffic, additional permissions and traffic arrangements may be required.

Historical Sites and Museums

Historical buildings, museums, archaeological sites, and protected areas may have separate permission procedures.

These locations should be identified during pre-production so that the necessary applications can be made before the shooting schedule is finalized.

Private Properties

If you are filming at a:

  • Hotel
  • Restaurant
  • Private residence
  • Office
  • Factory
  • Shop
  • Resort
  • Commercial property

permission should be obtained from the property owner or authorized operator.

A location agreement should ideally clarify:

  • Shooting dates
  • Working hours
  • Areas available for filming
  • Fees
  • Access
  • Insurance
  • Property protection
  • Cancellation terms
  • Restoration requirements

Drone Filming

Drone filming should be assessed separately from standard camera operations.

Depending on the location, drone type, operator, flight conditions, and other factors, additional aviation-related requirements or permissions may apply.

Before planning an aerial sequence, the production team should verify whether the proposed location is suitable and whether additional approvals are required.

A standard filming permit should not automatically be assumed to cover all drone operations.

Traffic Control and Road Closures

Some productions may require:

  • Temporary road closures
  • Traffic control
  • Vehicle coordination
  • Parking restrictions
  • Police coordination
  • Municipal coordination

This is particularly common for:

  • Car commercials
  • Action films
  • Driving sequences
  • Large-scale productions
  • Outdoor commercials
  • Productions using multiple vehicles

Traffic requirements should be identified during pre-production rather than immediately before filming.

Special Effects and Action Scenes

Productions involving special effects or complex action scenes require additional planning.

Examples include:

  • Fire
  • Smoke
  • Explosions
  • Stunts
  • Replica weapons
  • Vehicle stunts
  • Large-scale effects
  • Water effects
  • High-risk action sequences

Depending on the activity and location, additional permissions, safety measures, professional specialists, and coordination with relevant authorities may be necessary.

A Typical Production Workflow in Turkey

A professional international production can be organized through several key stages.

Step 1 – Project Brief

The international producer provides the project information to the Turkish production service company.

The local team reviews the creative and logistical requirements.

Step 2 – Script and Treatment Review

The script, synopsis, treatment, moodboard, and director’s brief are reviewed.

The scenes planned for Turkey are identified.

Step 3 – Location Scouting

The local production team searches for suitable locations and prepares location options.

A technical recce can then be organized if required.

Step 4 – Production Planning

The production team prepares:

  • Shooting schedule
  • Crew plan
  • Equipment plan
  • Transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Catering
  • Casting
  • Location logistics
  • Security
  • Production budget

Step 5 – Permit Assessment

The local production team determines which filming permits and additional permissions are required.

Step 6 – Official Filming Permit Application

The foreign production submits the required application through the official filming permit system.

The application should be submitted at least 10 business days before filming begins, according to the applicable regulation.

Step 7 – Additional Permissions

Additional permissions for specific locations, roads, public areas, historical sites, drones, or other activities are coordinated separately where required.

Step 8 – Crew and Equipment Preparation

Local crew, equipment, vehicles, accommodation, catering, and other production services are finalized.

Step 9 – Production

The international and local teams work together during the shooting period.

The local production team coordinates day-to-day production logistics and set operations.

Step 10 – Wrap

Once filming is completed, the production team handles equipment returns, location checks, transportation, and any necessary administrative procedures.

Film, TV Series, Commercial or Documentary: What Changes?

The general filming permit framework may be similar, but every type of production has different logistical requirements.

Feature Films

Feature films may involve:

  • Large crews
  • Multiple locations
  • Long shooting periods
  • International cast
  • Complex production design
  • Stunts
  • Vehicles
  • Special effects

Because of their scale, feature films usually require extensive pre-production and location planning.

TV Series

TV series often require longer production periods and recurring locations.

Production planning may involve:

  • Multiple episodes
  • Long-term location agreements
  • Recurring cast
  • Large local crews
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • Long-term equipment requirements

Commercials

Commercial productions often have shorter shooting schedules but highly specific creative requirements.

A commercial may require:

  • Brand-approved locations
  • Product photography
  • Luxury locations
  • Vehicles
  • Large lighting setups
  • Drones
  • Celebrity talent
  • Special effects
  • Detailed art direction

Because commercial shoots are often highly time-sensitive, early planning is essential.

Documentaries

Documentary productions may involve a flexible shooting schedule and multiple locations.

They may require:

  • Interviews
  • Public locations
  • Historical sites
  • Government institutions
  • Local communities
  • Cultural locations
  • Remote areas

A local fixer or production service team can be particularly useful for documentary productions because locations and schedules may change during filming.

Music Videos

Music videos can involve multiple locations, performers, choreography, vehicles, night filming, special lighting, and large crews.

Every element should be considered when assessing the required permissions.

Short Films

Short films generally have smaller crews and shorter schedules, but the same principles regarding location permissions and filming requirements still apply.

What Should You Send to a Turkish Production Company?

Before arriving in Turkey, international producers should ideally send a complete production package.

A useful production package may include:

  • Project title
  • Production type
  • Synopsis
  • Script
  • Treatment
  • Director’s brief
  • Moodboard
  • Visual references
  • Shooting dates
  • Shooting schedule
  • Location list
  • Number of crew
  • Cast list
  • Equipment list
  • Special equipment requirements
  • Vehicle requirements
  • Accommodation requirements
  • Catering requirements
  • Travel information
  • Estimated budget
  • Insurance information
  • Special effects requirements
  • Drone requirements
  • Traffic requirements
  • Permit requirements
  • International production contact details

Not every item listed above is necessarily a mandatory document for the official filming permit application.

However, providing a complete production package allows the Turkish production company to evaluate the project accurately and identify potential challenges before production begins.

Why Work With a Local Production Service Company in Turkey?

For an international production, local knowledge can make a significant difference.

A Turkish production service company can help coordinate the production from pre-production through to the final shooting day.

Depending on the project, local production services may include:

  • Filming permit coordination
  • Location scouting
  • Location management
  • Production management
  • Local crew
  • Camera equipment
  • Lighting equipment
  • Grip equipment
  • Sound equipment
  • Casting
  • Transportation
  • Drivers
  • Accommodation
  • Catering
  • Security
  • Production assistants
  • Translation
  • Fixers
  • Technical recce
  • Drone coordination
  • Traffic coordination
  • Equipment logistics

Working with one experienced local partner can help international producers avoid dealing with multiple suppliers and authorities separately.

It also gives the international production team a local point of contact who understands the practical realities of filming in Turkey.

International Production Checklist

Before starting your production in Turkey, make sure the following items have been reviewed:

  • Production type confirmed
  • Script prepared
  • Synopsis prepared
  • Turkish-language documents prepared where required
  • Treatment prepared if applicable
  • Shooting dates confirmed
  • Shooting schedule prepared
  • Locations identified
  • Location permissions assessed
  • Cast list prepared
  • Crew list prepared
  • Equipment list prepared
  • Special equipment identified
  • Drone requirements assessed
  • Vehicle requirements identified
  • Accommodation planned
  • Transportation planned
  • Local production partner appointed
  • Local fixer / mihmandar arrangements confirmed
  • Official filming permit application prepared
  • Application submitted within the required timeframe
  • Additional location permissions checked
  • Equipment import requirements checked
  • Insurance requirements reviewed
  • Safety requirements reviewed
  • Production wrap procedures planned

Akar Film – Production Services in Turkey

For international producers, filming in Turkey is not simply about obtaining a filming permit.

A successful production requires careful coordination between permits, locations, crew, equipment, transportation, accommodation, logistics, and set operations.

Akar Film provides production services and local production support for international projects filming in Turkey.

From the first location search to the final shooting day, our team can help international producers coordinate their production requirements in Turkey.

Our production services can be tailored to different types of projects, including:

  • Feature films
  • TV series
  • Commercials
  • Documentaries
  • Music videos
  • Short films
  • TV programs
  • Branded content
  • International digital productions

Whether you are planning a one-day commercial shoot or a large-scale international film production, having an experienced local production partner can make the process more efficient and manageable.

Planning to Film in Turkey?

If you are considering Turkey for your next production, send us your project details, script or treatment, preferred filming dates, locations, crew size, and production requirements.

Akar Film can review your project and help you understand the local production, location, equipment, and filming permit requirements before your team arrives in Turkey.

Akar Film
Production Services in Turkey