EXCLUSIVE: Cairo-based film company MAD Solutions has struck a deal with prominent Turkish agency People Talent Management to manage all commercial representation in the Arab World for several of its clients.
The partnership includes top Turkish stars such as Tuba Büyüküstün, Kaan Urgancıoğlu and Burcu Biricik, who will be represented in Arabic-speaking markets by MAD Celebrity.
The MAD Solutions subsidiary, which handles leading Arab world talents such as Egypt-Tunisian star Hend Sabry and Syrian actor Samer Ismail, is the Arab-world’s largest talent management and promotional agency.
MAD Solutions co-founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab said the partnership marked a milestone for the company.
“Since the establishment of MAD Solutions 15 years ago, our strategy has always been to expand in response to market needs,” they said
“That’s why we are extending our reach to select talent from around the world, including Turkiye, which has gained significant popularity in the Arab World, becoming increasingly present not only in Turkish content but also in Arabic productions and brands. This marks another milestone for MAD Celebrity as we build a regional creative powerhouse.”
Yasemin Özbudun, founder of People Talent Management, also noted the significance of the collaboration.
“For over 15 years, People Talent Management has been a dedicated presence in the Arab entertainment industry, beginning with the sale of Turkish series across the region. The stories we told, the memorable characters, the aesthetic visual language, and the universal themes they carried forged a deep connection with Arab audiences.”
“This success has sparked local adaptations and a growing fan base for Turkish talent, strengthening the cultural bond between Türkiye and the Arab World,” he continued. “Our partnership with MAD Solutions is a strategic step to amplify these stories and further elevate our talents on a global stage, creating strong brand collaborations for our actors and uniting creative strengths to celebrate the region’s rich storytelling heritage.”
Kareem Samy, Managing Partner and Executive Director of MAD Celebrity, says the partnership is a logical extension to the company’s roster.
“The entertainment world in Türkiye has become increasingly aligned with that of the Arab World. Turkish dramas have become a great influence in the region, particularly among Arab audiences. Many Turkish productions are being adapted into Arabic, as Arab viewers are becoming more and more interested in seeing Turkish culture.”
Büyüküstün made history in 2014 as Türkiye’s first International Emmy nominee for her performance in 20 Minutes. Her other notable credits include Asi, Gönülçelen, Ihlamurlar Altinda, and more recently, Black Money Love, My Father and My Son, Brave and Beautiful, and Another Self. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and advocates for children’s rights worldwide.
Urgancıoğlu is acclaimed actor whose international breakthrough came with his performance as Emir Kozcuoğlu in Endless Love, the first Turkish series ever to win an International Emmy Award, followed by the lead role in Family Secrets, the Turkey‘s second series to receive the prestigious International Emmy for Best Telenovela.
He has also appeared in the Netflix original series Love 101 and the platform’s hit original films In Good Hands and In Good Hands 2, and also been seen in international titles such as Amazon’s Jack Ryan and Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune.
Burcu Biricik first made waves in the 2014 to 15 series Matter of Respect, which paved the way for her breakout performance in Life Song, which earned her awards. Biricik has since led acclaimed productions such as Kuzgun, Chrysalis, and the historical drama operation Cicero.
The post Top Arab & Turkish Talent Agents Strike Partnership For Stars Including Tuba Büyüküstün & Kaan Urgancıoğlu appeared first on Deadline.
