Elçin Sangu reacts to the talent management system: 'Slavery contracts are being imposed'

The controversy that led to an investigation being opened into Ayşe Barım, the manager of famous names such as Serenay Sarıkaya, Hande Erçel, and Ezgi Mola, continues. As the investigation into the allegations against Ayşe Barım was announced, famous actress Elçin Sangu also explained the inner workings of the talent management system.

Sharing a series of posts on her social media account regarding the issue, Sangu described the agreements imposed on aspiring actors as "slavery contracts."

Stating that "the talent management system in Turkey is not based on an institutional structure, but on a market logic where individual relationships dominate," here are the posts by Elçin Sangu:

I DO NOT WANT TO DISTORT THE ESSENCE

I do not want to distort the essence of the matter, neither like the tabloid journalists who trivialize this business (excluding those who do their job correctly), nor the journalists who comment without conducting in-depth research (those we think of as serious reporters), nor my dear colleagues, many of whom I love, who make inappropriate statements. That is why I prepared the thread I will share shortly.

TRANSFERS ALL RIGHTS OF THE ARTIST TO AGENCIES AND PRODUCERS

Many people who set out with the dream of becoming an actor start their careers with agreements that can be defined as "slavery contracts" under the heavy conditions imposed by the system. While these contracts cause the artist to transfer all their rights to agencies or producers, they restrict their creative freedom and economic rights. This situation is one of the most concrete examples of the lack of institutionalization and the distortion of the system in the sector.

LONG-TERM CLAUSES CONTAINING HEAVY SANCTIONS

Lawsuits filed due to rights violations experienced by actors in the sector reveal how much of a gray area the industry operates in. There are serious legal loopholes, especially in management contracts. Actors frequently face long-term clauses that contain heavy sanctions and reinforce sectoral power imbalances. While lawsuits make these injustices somewhat visible, they are not enough to solve the structural problems at the foundation of the sector.

PR ACTIVITY

The personal brands of artists in the management system are largely shaped through PR work. However, in this process, false narratives come to the fore instead of real talents and achievements. The strange posts that actors make with journalists, which have no purpose other than to attract attention, further increase the lack of transparency and honesty in the sector. While PR activities are expected to contribute to the careers of artists on one hand, they becoming a tool that damages the credibility of the sector on the other hand deepens the problem of failing to institutionalize.

MARKET LOGIC WHERE INDIVIDUAL RELATIONSHIPS DOMINATE

The talent management system in Turkey is not based on an institutional structure, but on a market logic where individual relationships dominate. A system prevails where managers focus on short-term gains by acting as brokers in the sector instead of professionally guiding the careers of actors. This situation leads to quality projects being handed over to inadequate actors and a decline in the overall quality of the sector.

THE ROLE IS TAKEN BY 'CRONYISM', NOT THE TALENTED ACTOR

Irregularities in the sector also make it difficult for talented people to enter the system. Cronyism prevents new actors from establishing a presence in the sector, while successful projects are handed over to people with "strong connections" instead of deserving actors. This situation leads to talented actors being unable to progress in their careers and the perception of injustice in the sector deepening.

A LEGAL FRAMEWORK IS ESSENTIAL

To overcome all these problems, the sector needs to be transformed into an institutional structure. For this:

•Professionalizing the management system and placing it within a legal framework,

•Conducting PR work in a more transparent and talent-based manner,

•Prioritizing quality and talent in project selection,

•Establishing an independent oversight mechanism to protect the rights of actors is essential.

TRANSFORMATION IS NEEDED

If the acting sector in Turkey wants to reach world standards, it needs a transformation that centers on institutionalization and justice. This transformation will ensure that not only artists but all components of the sector work on a healthier ground.

TO ROK: PLEASE DO NOT BACK ME UP

Elçin Sangu also reacted to television programmer Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, who quoted her posts and targeted Ayşe Barım.

In his post, Kütahyalı said, "A very justified thread; Elçin Sangu's objective analyses should be heeded. The Republic of Turkey should also conduct the Ayşe Barım investigation with an attitude in favor of actors who are laborers and whose rights are exploited - especially excessively exploited female actors. These are not tabloid issues, they are important."

Elçin Sangu replied to Kütahyalı: "Dear Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, in the content of this thread, I am looking at the issue through events and institutions, not through individuals, and please do not do to me the one thing I do not want, and please do not back me up!"

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The prosecutor's office had launched an ex officio investigation into manager Ayşe Barım, accepting the allegations in social media posts and news reports as a tip-off. It was learned that the investigation concerns allegations such as "violation of the freedom to work" and "blackmail."

Following the investigation launched by the Competition Authority into actors, managers, and casting agencies operating in the sector, it was alleged that manager Ayşe Barım removed those who did not 'pledge allegiance' to her from the market and paved the way for her own actors.