Speaking at the Advertising Film Production event, Producer Zafer Özkan shared his sector experiences and the future role of artificial intelligence with the students. Özkan emphasized the importance of learning English for entry and success in the sector.

Zafer Özkan from Kala Film Producers participated in the Advertising Film Making event organized by the Faculty of Communication, Department of Visual Communication and Design within the scope of Istanbul Ticaret University Ticaret Fest’24. Students and academicians attended the event moderated by Lecturer Alp Eren Erbay.

“I ENTERED THE SECTOR WITH THE SUPPORT OF MY TEACHER”

Stating that his entry into the sector after graduation was with Kala Film, Özkan said, “I entered the door of Kala Film with the support of our teacher from the university. I started my career as a production assistant. Later, I rose to become a producer. Since 2016, I have been continuing as a Producer.”

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WON’T TAKE OUR JOBS

Answering a student’s question about artificial intelligence, Özkan said, “I don’t believe that artificial intelligence will take our work out of our hands. There will necessarily be a need for human eyes or touch. We also get support from artificial intelligence in our business, especially in the PPM process. I think it will be like this in 10 years.”

SOME JOBS FOR MONEY, SOME JOBS FOR IMPORTANCE

Stating that there are different types of directors we work with, Özkan said, “We choose our director according to the necessity or style of the work. Some jobs are done according to their importance and some jobs are done just for money. Although we attach importance to every job, production companies are businesses.”

LEARN ENGLISH BEFORE GRADUATING

Giving information about the sector, Zafer Özkan said, “The sector has gone beyond traditional shootings. In the past, we used to give the customer a long and a short version of the commercials. Now we give them to different platforms in different formats such as 30 seconds, vertical, horizontal. Those who want to enter the sector, when you start a job, whether it is editing or production, you will definitely start from the lowest step. No one will offer you directorship directly. For this reason, you need to work. My advice to you is to learn English as much as possible before you graduate from school. This will always be an advantage for you.”

PHOTOGRAPHY IMPROVES YOUR EYE

“Learning photography, editing and editing also adds value. You don’t have to be very specialized. You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but it is good to know a little bit of genius. Take plenty of photos before graduation so that your vision will develop.” Özkan said: “My advice to you is to decide what you want to do. Get to know yourself so that you can choose a job accordingly. For example, an editor or an illustrator works for hours without leaving the computer. Is this job suitable for you?”

SOURCE: ISTANBUL TICARET UNIVERSITESI