Limon Yapım and the Boycott Scandal: Who Is Behind Delayed Payments to Actors?

Turkish series

The boycott by managers against the production company Limon Yapım has come under scrutiny as part of an investigation by Turkey’s Competition Authority.

The inquiry, launched to examine anti-competitive practices in the film and television industry, is focusing on allegations of a coordinated boycott by talent agencies against Limon Yapım, as well as the fact that some managers simultaneously serve as casting directors.

The Industry Under Investigation

Turkey is abuzz with discussions surrounding the Competition Authority’s investigation, which began last week, alongside the legal proceedings against prominent manager Ayşe Barım. It all started with a preliminary report that led to the formal opening of the investigation.

The report targets 21 talent agencies and casting companies, highlighting two major issues:

1. Collusion on Commission Rates
   Managers allegedly collaborated to maintain a 20% commission rate, despite producers’ efforts to reduce it to 10%. WhatsApp messages cited in the report provide evidence of this agreement.
2. Boycott of Limon Yapım
   Another key allegation involves the boycott of Limon Yapım due to delays in actor payments. Managers reportedly decided to withhold talent from the company, a move the Competition Authority deems a violation of competition laws.

Unfair Practices by Dual-Role Managers

The report also highlights the conflict of interest arising from managers who act as casting directors. These individuals are accused of promoting only their own clients, creating an uneven playing field. Emails between managers and producers were uncovered, detailing issues such as actor rights violations and the inhumane conditions outlined in certain contracts.

This unfolding scandal raises significant questions about the ethics and practices of the talent management and casting sectors in Turkey.