Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ceylan Carhoglu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

CEYLAN, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As a documentary filmmaker, each project holds a unique place in my heart, but two, in particular, stand out for their profound impact on me.

The first is Stray, a documentary where I returned to my hometown of Istanbul and explored it through the lens of stray dogs. This project was deeply transformative. Revisiting my childhood city allowed me to reconnect with my roots while shedding light on the often-overlooked bond between humans and animals. The film not only sparked important conversations about marginalized groups in our communities but also offered a rich, moral inquiry into our collective humanity. The personal connection I felt to this project makes Stray particularly meaningful to me.

More recently, I worked on a true crime documentary series called Buried Truth: The Indrani Mukerjea Story. This project was incredibly challenging due to the ongoing trial and the complex nature of the case, where truth was elusive. I felt a heavy responsibility to portray the victim, Sheena Bora, as accurately as possible amidst the chaos of family drama, tax fraud, and political intrigue. Ensuring that Sheena’s story was told with respect and clarity was crucial to me, as it was essential to remind the audience of the human element amidst the sensationalism.

Both projects have been significant in different ways: Stray for its personal and social impact, and Buried Truth for its demand for accuracy and empathy in a complex narrative.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Ceylan Carhoglu, a dedicated producer with a passion for bringing compelling documentaries and series to life. My journey in filmmaking has led me to work on a range of impactful projects that have been recognized both critically and commercially.

One of my proudest achievements is co-producing the feature-length documentary Stray, which is now streaming on Hulu. This project has received widespread acclaim and several awards, and it holds a special place in my heart. I also had the honor of producing Gardeners of the Forest in 2016, which won the Emmys: College Television Award and was a finalist for the Student Academy Awards. It was selected for prestigious film festivals such as HollyShorts, Newport Film Festival, and Napa Valley Film Festival.

Recently, I’ve been involved in producing Golden: The Journey of USA’s Elite Gymnasts for Peacock, Gunther’s Millions for Netflix, and Buried Truth: The Indrani Mukerjea Story, also for Netflix. My expertise has extended to contributing to other notable Netflix series like Kevin Hart: Don’t Fck This Up* and Amend: The Fight for America with Will Smith.

Currently, I’m working as a story producer at Make Make Entertainment, where I continue to pursue my passion for storytelling. I hold a B.A. in Film Production from Chapman University, and I’m excited about the future projects and stories yet to come. I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I began my career in the industry, I started in post production as an assistant editor. I was fortunate to have steady work and excelled in my role, but I felt a disconnect. I wanted to be more creatively involved and gain a broader perspective on the entire production process.

Making the pivot from a role where I was established to one where I had limited experience was incredibly daunting. It felt like a risky move, and I was concerned about whether I would be able to find my footing again.

As I continued working as an assistant editor, I began expressing to the producers on my projects that I wanted to take on more responsibilities. This meant additional workload, but it also provided me with valuable insights into different areas of the project. Gradually, as I communicated my career aspirations more clearly, opportunities in other departments started to present themselves. Although it was frightening to turn down assistant editing jobs and venture into new areas, I remained committed to my goal.

This experience taught that the first step in changing your career direction is to clearly articulate your goals and aspirations to those who can support you. Persistent advocacy for yourself is essential until you are truly heard and understood. Career development is an ongoing, ever-evolving process. Embracing this dynamic nature has been vital for me to navigate my path and stay aligned with my creative ambitions.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a story producer, the most rewarding part of my job is receiving feedback from the subjects I’ve worked with once the project is released. Please trust us with their personal stories, and we strive to honor their trust by doing justice to their narratives.

It’s always nerve-wracking when a project is shared with the world and then returns to those who have entrusted us with their stories. Knowing that my work has accurately and respectfully represented their experiences, and hearing their reactions, is incredibly fulfilling. This feedback not only validates the effort and care we put into the project but also reinforces the profound responsibility we carry as storytellers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ceylancarhoglu
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceylancarhoglu/