Interview by Ozlem Ozdemir

Yesilcam has garnered tremendous interest, both locally and internationally, since it started streaming on April 22, 2021. Nearing the end of its first season on the 10th episode, the story has evolved with a rich tapestry of well written characters set against a happening period for Turkish cinema for more reasons than one.

You can follow our weekly blog for the episode reviews by mh musings, which look at characters and plots through an analytical lens.

Cagatay, in the role of young producer Semih Ates, is spectacular and showcases his most nuanced role yet. Cagatay's love for cinema shines through Semih, as he goes through his many ups and downs.

Note that Cagatay spoke about this character in his earlier interview with GQ Turkey.

The following is the translated text from Episode Yerli, a magazine that talked to some of the cast & crew to bring a comprehensive understanding of what Yesilcam means to them.

- Enjoy, Team CUNA

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Yesilcam is Blutv's first period series. The series which has Semih Ates in its center who says "I make a movie, the sick recovers." is not only focused on one of the most interesting periods but also tells us a little about the debates in Turkey in 60s.

If you are also curious about Semih Ates' story whose passion usually leads to mistakes, in Turkey of the 60s, add Yesilcam to your watchlist.

60s is an important period for both Turkey and the world. It's a time in which the world made a breakthrough in terms of art and politics.

Semih Ates is a passionate cinema man. We witness that he spent a tough childhood. What made him cling to life, what prevented him to drag from here to there has been cinema. To find financial sources for his movies, he chooses the most controversial ways. What does Semih Ates character mean to you? How would you describe him and what did he teach you?
 
I had mentioned in my previous interview that Semih Ates is a passionate character. Except for his passion, he can see the way to success thanks to his foresight and intuitions.

The most important thing about him is he overcomes the obstacles before him with learned impulses and predictions. If you ask me what he taught me, my respond can be "to look". To look to see and to interpret the circumstances correctly in-between the obstacles.
 
You have played in various series and movies, most of them have been seen worldwide. But for the first time, you are a part of a period series. How does it feel?

It's very precious to be a part of a period series, it's like traveling in time. The late 60s, the spirit of that period, the political and social life of it is very passionate. People's passion and faith aren't yet polluted in that period. You see things from an immaculate, innocent, untainted, plain perspective. The information pollution has become so monotonous in 21st century that being in the 60s makes one feel strong and safe.

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We also watch the political atmosphere and debates of the 60s in Yesilcam. How did you prepare for the technical matters such as the posture of the people of that period, their daily language and the way they speak? Did the background information of that period arouse your interest? Did you read things about that period?
 
Cagan Irmak and our scriptwriters have a solid grasp of that period. I can't ignore their contribution. 60s is an important period for both Turkey and the world. It's a time in which the world made a breakthrough in terms of art and politics. While working for the character, I researched the interdisciplinary theses. Semih Ates is  a well equipped, open-minded person. In order to not to caricature the character, we avoided using deformations in his diction. I preferred to develop his gestures. I imagined him to be more naive, kind, a real gentleman of that period.
 
Semih Ates makes mistakes just as he does right things. A multifaceted character has been written. He sometimes makes you think that having such passion for something might bring about such mistakes. What do you think about it?
 
As I mentioned before, Semih Ates is an individual. He is a character who has his own trues that are flawed. Just like evryone. Everyone can find a piece of themselves in Semih Ates and in his decisions if they internalize the character and look into themselves.

Your favorite Yesilcam movie?
 
It would be wrong to call it my favorite but the first thing that came to my mind is whether the water of the pickle should be of lemon or vinegar. (He laughs) -The movie that includes this discussion is "Neseli Gunler" (Happy Days)-
 
 
Your favorite Yesilcam actor/actress?
 
I can't compare them, they all are precious for me. However, when I was a kid, I used to watch Cuneyt Arkın movies and jump from a couch to another and turn a somersault. There is even a vague trace of stitches between my eyebrows, so he has a special place in my heart, he left a mark. (He laughs)

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All image/ content credit belongs to Episode Yerli

Translation by CUNA