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How does the TV drama production process begin?

Behind every episode watched on television lies a TV drama production process that is far more complex than it appears. In Turkey, dramas are usually broadcast once a week, so the production chain stretching from the writers’ table to the set, and from editing to broadcast, is often linked together within the same week.

The first stage is the script development process, which forms the backbone of the story. At this stage, a treatment is prepared, character relationships are clarified and the episode flow is established. Then the industry’s showcase piece, the pilot episode, comes into play; this stage is considered the key threshold for securing channel approval on whether the production will go to air.

What happens during pre-production?

After channel approval, or while waiting for it, pre-production begins. This phase is one of the most critical stages in setting the rhythm of the production.

  • Casting work shapes the acting lineup.
  • Location scouting identifies where scenes will be filmed.
  • The art department develops the set design, props and costume language.
  • The shooting schedule is prepared, setting out which scenes will be filmed on which day and in what order.

How does a TV set work, and who does what on set?

The answer to how a TV set works lies in the simultaneous work of many different teams. The director guides the creative interpretation and the actors’ performances, while the director of photography is responsible for framing, lighting and the visual language. The production manager handles the set’s logistical flow, while the script supervisor tracks continuity, dialogue and shot progression.

In productions that air one episode a week, compressing a single episode into a 5-6 day shooting schedule is one of the main factors shaping the pace of production. Daily planning is crucial in this rhythm; which actor needs to be on set at what time, location moves, costume changes and technical equipment flow are typically planned hour by hour.

The main departments on a drama production team

  • Director and assistant director team
  • Cinematography, lighting and camera departments
  • Production, transportation and coordination units
  • Art, costume, hair and makeup, and editing teams

Post-production, delivery and final steps before broadcast

When shooting on set is finished, the work is not over; in many cases, the real race continues in post-production. Scenes are assembled in the editing room, rhythm is built, and the episode’s narrative coherence is put together. After that, color grading, sound cleanup, effects and music are applied to bring the episode up to broadcast quality.

After the post-production stage, technical delivery is completed and final checks for the broadcast schedule begin. A delay at any point in this chain can directly affect the delivery timeline. That is why the stages of TV drama production are not only creative, but also a highly coordinated production model.

Why are working hours such a hot topic?

Because of the intense production pace, working conditions for set crews have long been a subject of discussion in the industry. According to the Set Working Principles published by the Actors’ Union, daily working hours on set should not exceed 12 hours, and weekly working hours should not exceed 72 hours. It states that, under special production conditions and with the team’s approval, up to 4 additional hours may be added to the daily schedule, but the 72-hour weekly limit remains unchanged.

Under the same principles, there should be at least 11 hours of rest between two workdays in Istanbul, and at least 10 hours outside Istanbul; the week should consist of no more than 6 working days and 1 day off. The Cinema-TV Union has also published working principles outlining a similar framework. This debate concerns not only whether an episode is delivered on time, but also set safety and sustainable production.

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