Kerem Catay is the CEO of Ay Yapim, a popular production company known for its successful productions. Ay Yapim is a Turkish media production company founded by Kerem Catay in 2005, and it has become one of Turkey’s most important content producers, thanks to its 3500+ hours and 44 series, and 5 films.

Kerem Catay was born in Ankara in 1979, and he spent his educational life in Ankara, graduating from Bilkent University’s Faculty of Economic, Administrative, and Social Sciences. He then continued his education by completing a Film & Television master’s program at the University of California.

After finishing his education, he returned to Turkey and started his professional career in 2004. He has produced thematic television programs for Elmax-Elmavision TV, S’nek TV, and Jojo TV. In this article by Zatrun.com, you can find out what you need to know about Kerem Catay.

Who is Kerem Catay?

Kerem Catay and Ay Yapim has played a significant role in the growth of Turkey’s television export industry through its investments in the series sector. Ay Yapim has been the production company with the most television exports between 2016 and 2020, and it has been awarded by the Turkish Exporters Assembly for its achievements in this area five times.

Ay Yapim has a large distribution network in Turkey, with Madd, its partner, and it has also been a former partner of the “Sparks Network” in 20 countries worldwide. The company’s productions are also broadcast on different television channels in other countries. For instance, the series “Ask-i Memnu” was purchased by Telemundo Television Studios in the United States and was renamed “Pasión Prohibida,” while “Son,” produced in 2012, was purchased by ABC channel for primetime broadcast in 2015.

Kerem Catay and Ay Yapim has received global awards in the television industry, and its internationally acclaimed content has made it one of Turkey’s most internationally awarded production companies. It is also the only production company in Turkey to have won the “International Emmy” award. Some of Ay Yapim’s notable series include “Yaprak Dokumu,” “Ezel,” “Kuzey Guney,” “Medcezir,” “Kiralık Ask,” and “Son.”

Ay Yapim’s Other Achievements

Ay Yapim has gained attention in Turkey and around the world with its global awards. In 2012, the TV series “Ezel” won the “Special Prize” award at the Seoul International Drama Awards, which is one of the most prestigious events in the television world. In 2014, “Medcezir” won the “Silver Bird” award in the Best Serial Drama category at the same award ceremony.

Thanks to its internationally acclaimed content, Ay Yapim is one of Turkey’s production companies with the most international awards, and it is also the only production company in Turkey to have received the “International Emmy” award.

It’s Popular TV Series

• “Yaprak Dokumu” (2006): A family drama Turkish television series that aired on Kanal D. It was adapted from Resat Nuri Gunstekin’s novel of the same name. The series, consisting of five seasons, ended with its 174th episode on December 29, 2010. It is one of the most frequently aired television series in Turkish television history.
• “Ask-i Memnu” (2008): A romantic and drama Turkish television series that aired on Kanal D from September 4, 2008, to June 24, 2010. It starred Kıvanc Tatlitug, Beren Saat, and Selcuk Yontem. The final episode of the series had the highest viewership rate in Turkish television history. Its reruns are still being aired.
• “Ezel” (2009): An action and drama Turkish television series directed by Uluc Bayraktar and written by Kerem Deren and Pinar Bulut. It premiered on Show TV on September 28, 2009. However, the series changed channels and moved to ATV, ending with its 71st episode on June 20, 2011. It is considered one of the best TV series in Turkish history and has been broadcast in many countries in Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

• “Fatmagul’un Sucu Ne?” (2010): A drama Turkish television series that aired on Kanal D from 2010 to 2012. It is based on the screenplay that Vedat Turkali wrote for the 1986 film of the same name. It consists of two seasons, and it ended with its 80th episode on June 21, 2012.
• “Medcezir” (2013): A youth and drama Turkish television series adapted to Turkey by Ece Yorenc and Melek Gencoglu. It is based on the American production “The O.C.” created by American film producer Josh Schwartz.