Elena Ferrante’s beloved Neapolitan novels are heading to Turkey.
Wildside, The Apartment, Fremantle and Fandango are partnering with OGM Pictures to produce the first scripted format adaptation of the internationally acclaimed drama “My Brilliant Friend.” The Turkish adaptation is scheduled to begin production later this year.
Ferrante’s four-novel cycle, which explores decades of friendship between two women from 1950s Naples, became a global television sensation when HBO and RAI brought it to screens in 2018. The series concluded its run last November after four seasons of widespread critical praise.
The original series was created by Saverio Costanzo and produced by Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment and Wildside (both Fremantle companies) and Domenico Procacci for Fandango, in collaboration with RAI Fiction and HBO Entertainment. The story and screenplays were by Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Costanzo.
The Turkish market already knows the property well. Fremantle distributed the original across more than 170 territories, with Turkish viewers accessing it through Digiturk, Tabii, Turkcell TV+ and Puhu TV.
“OGM Pictures have a proven track record of producing hits that resonate locally, and we are thrilled to partner with them to bring Elena Ferrante’s exquisite story to new audiences,” said Amac Us, senior VP of distribution for the Middle East, Africa and South Eastern Europe, International at Fremantle. “‘My Brilliant Friend’ is celebrated for its gripping storytelling, emotional depth and iconic characters. It’s a universal and deeply human drama that transcends borders, and we’re confident this new adaptation will capture the hearts of viewers in Türkiye.”
OGM Pictures founder Onur Güvenatam added: “It is both an honor and a responsibility for us to adapt Elena Ferrante’s ‘My Brilliant Friend’ for Turkish audiences. This universally celebrated masterpiece is more than just a story — it’s a profound exploration of human connection, friendship and identity. We at OGM Pictures are committed to bringing this powerful narrative to life with the greatest of care, preserving the authenticity and soul of Ferrante’s work while creating an experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.”
OGM Pictures has gained prominence since launching in 2019, building a portfolio that includes “Golden Boy,” “Innocent,” “Red Room,” “Chrysalis,” “Another Self,” “Last Call for Istanbul,” “6 of Us” and “The Fall of the King.”