Hiring Local Crew in Turkey
Discover Turkey's talented film professionals and learn how to find and hire experienced local crew members who can enhance your production with technical expertise and local knowledge.
Turkey's Growing Film Industry Talent
Turkey has rapidly developed into a major film production hub, cultivating a professional crew base with extensive international experience. Many Turkish technicians have worked on Hollywood blockbusters, Netflix originals, and major European productions.
The country's strategic location between Europe and Asia has made it a crossroads for international productions, resulting in crew members who are not only technically proficient but also culturally adaptable and often multilingual.
With competitive rates that are 40-60% lower than Western Europe while maintaining professional standards, hiring local crew in Turkey offers exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Crew Departments & Daily Rates
Camera Department
| Role | Daily Rate | Experience | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director of Photography | €300-800 | Excellent | English + Turkish |
| Camera Operator | €200-500 | Excellent | English + Turkish |
| 1st Assistant Camera | €150-300 | Very Good | Basic English |
| 2nd Assistant Camera | €100-200 | Good | Basic English |
| Digital Imaging Technician | €200-400 | Good | English + Turkish |
Lighting Department
| Role | Daily Rate | Experience | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaffer | €250-600 | Excellent | English + Turkish |
| Best Boy Electric | €150-300 | Very Good | Basic English |
| Electrician | €100-200 | Good | Turkish |
| Grip | €100-180 | Good | Turkish |
Sound Department
| Role | Daily Rate | Experience | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Recordist | €200-450 | Very Good | English + Turkish |
| Boom Operator | €120-250 | Good | Basic English |
| Sound Assistant | €80-150 | Good | Turkish |
Production Department
| Role | Daily Rate | Experience | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line Producer | €400-1000 | Excellent | English + Turkish + Others |
| Production Manager | €250-600 | Excellent | English + Turkish |
| 1st Assistant Director | €200-500 | Very Good | English + Turkish |
| 2nd Assistant Director | €120-250 | Good | Basic English |
| Script Supervisor | €150-300 | Good | English + Turkish |
Language Skills by Department
Fluent English
85%Can handle complex technical discussions and client communication
Conversational English
70%Good working English for day-to-day production needs
Basic English
50%Understands technical terms and basic instructions
Turkish Only
30%Technical skills excellent, requires translation for complex direction
Experience Levels & Production Types
International Feature Films
ExcellentExtensive pool of crew with Hollywood, European, and streaming platform experience
High-End Commercials
ExcellentTurkey is a major commercial production hub with world-class advertising crew
Documentary Productions
Very GoodGrowing documentary scene with crew experienced in challenging locations
Music Videos & Fashion
GoodCreative crew pool with fashion and music video expertise
Regional Cost & Availability Comparison
Istanbul
1.0xHighest rates, most experienced international crew
Ankara
0.8xGovernment productions, lower rates than Istanbul
Antalya/Coastal
0.9xTourism-focused, seasonal availability
Other Cities
0.7x + travelLimited local crew, may require travel from Istanbul
Crew Hiring Process Timeline
1. Initial Inquiry
4-6 weeks before
2. Interviews & Selection
3-4 weeks before
3. Contracts & Preparation
2-3 weeks before
4. Pre-Production
1 week before
Essential Hiring Tips
Request Show Reels
Ask for recent work samples and references from international productions. Turkish crew often work on major Netflix, HBO, and feature productions.
Language Assessment
Conduct brief video calls to assess English proficiency. Many key crew members are multilingual with excellent communication skills.
Check Film Credits
Review IMDb credits and ask about specific international productions. Turkey has experienced crew who work globally.
Team Compatibility
Hire department heads first, then let them recommend their teams. Turkish crews often work in established units.
Benefits of Hiring Turkish Crew
Cost Effectiveness
Turkish crew rates are 40-60% lower than Western Europe while maintaining professional standards
Technical Expertise
Crew trained on latest equipment and techniques, many with international certifications
Language Skills
Key crew members typically speak English, with many multilingual professionals available
Local Knowledge
Intimate knowledge of locations, regulations, and cultural considerations for smooth production
Ready to Hire Turkish Crew?
Let CAVEA FILM connect you with Turkey's best film professionals. We'll handle the vetting, interviews, and contracts so you get the perfect crew for your production.