Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey offers a cinematic mix of natural beauty, ancient architecture, modern cities, and rich cultural textures. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the beaches of Antalya, and the rugged eastern plateaus—Turkey can convincingly double as nearly any part of the world.

For producers seeking a seamless shooting experience in this versatile country, Atlas Film Fixers stands out as the trusted local partner offering complete fixer services—location scouting, permit handling, customs clearance, drone coordination, and on-ground crew support.

Why Film in Turkey?

Turkey has long been a favorite among international filmmakers. Its geographic diversity allows productions to shift between coastal, desert, mountain, and urban backdrops with minimal travel. Major productions like Skyfall, Argo, and The Two Faces of January have successfully utilized Turkey’s unique settings to global acclaim.

Some advantages include:

• A skilled, English-speaking film workforce
• Competitive production costs
• Access to modern film studios and equipment rental houses
• Generous tax incentives for qualifying international productions
• A government that is generally film-friendly, particularly with local partnerships in place

Film Permits in Turkey

Filming in Turkey requires official approval for public spaces, historical sites, airports, roads, military areas, and cultural landmarks.

• General public filming: Requires permission from local municipalities, typically granted within 5–10 working days.
• Historical sites and mosques: Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; processing time can be longer and requires detailed script submission.
• Traffic control or stunts: Permits need to be coordinated with the General Directorate of Security.
• Private property: Requires written consent from the owner, which we facilitate on your behalf.

Atlas Film Fixers works closely with municipal and national authorities to expedite permit processing and ensure all production activity is legally cleared before cameras roll.

Customs & Equipment Importation

Turkey does not currently participate in the ATA Carnet system. However, productions can temporarily import film equipment by working with a registered Turkish fixer or production company that acts as the importer of record.

Atlas Film Fixers arranges:

• Temporary import documentation
• Customs broker support
• Coordination with airport authorities
• Equipment handling, transport, and secure storage

We ensure that your gear arrives and clears customs without delay—so you don’t waste precious production time.

Drone Permits in Turkey

All drone filming in Turkey is regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Key points:

• Drone operators must have a valid Turkish RPAS (drone) license.
• Drone use in urban areas, near airports, or over historical sites requires special clearance.
• Advance notice of 10–15 business days is often necessary for flight plan approval.

Atlas Film Fixers partners with licensed drone operators across Turkey and handles all permit applications and location-specific approvals for safe, compliant aerial filming.

Top Filming Locations in Turkey

Turkey’s regions are visually stunning and logistically viable, with experienced local crews and solid infrastructure.

Istanbul

A city of contrasts—Ottoman palaces, Byzantine churches, rooftop skylines, and bustling bazaars. Istanbul offers high production value with minimal set dressing.

Cappadocia

Known for its surreal rock formations and sunrise hot air balloons, Cappadocia delivers dreamlike visuals ideal for historical epics, fantasy, and travel-driven narratives.

Antalya & the Turkish Riviera

White sand beaches, azure waters, and ancient ruins offer Mediterranean looks for commercials, lifestyle shoots, and romantic dramas.

Eastern Anatolia

Mount Ararat, vast plateaus, and remote villages make this region a great stand-in for Middle Eastern or Central Asian landscapes.

Ephesus & Troy

Ancient ruins perfect for period pieces or documentaries with historical or mythological themes.

Film Incentives in Turkey

Turkey offers a 30% cash rebate on qualified production expenditures, including local crew, services, and select above-the-line costs.

To access the rebate:

• Projects must apply in advance and meet cultural content criteria.
• A Turkish co-producer or production service company is required.
• Atlas Film Fixers guides clients through the application process, cost tracking, and final audit submission.

We also assist with co-production opportunities through bilateral treaties and ensure your project qualifies for the maximum savings.

Why Atlas Film Fixers?

With on-the-ground presence in Istanbul and regional coverage across the country, Atlas Film Fixers is the local partner international producers trust to navigate Turkey’s unique production landscape. We combine creative problem-solving with logistical expertise and an understanding of both Western production expectations and Turkish administrative procedures.

Our services include:

• Full fixer support in English
• Location scouting and management
• Permit acquisition
• Customs and drone clearance
• Crew sourcing and equipment rental
• On-set production coordination
• Rebate application and co-production support

Planning to shoot in Turkey? Let Atlas Film Fixers take the lead—so you can focus on storytelling while we handle the logistics, compliance, and local complexities.