Biography
Serife Turhan is a veteran producer whose credits span radio, television, and film platforms. In her 20+ years working as a content creator, she has built a reputation as a production powerhouse, spearheading series at MTV, VH1, BET, STARZ, Bravo, and Hot97. Serife's passion for music led her to begin her career as an intern with legendary New York radio station Hot97. She quickly rose through the ranks from promotions to programming, working with iconic voices such as Mr. Magic, Stretch and Bobbito, Lisa Evers, Angie Martinez, and Wendy Williams. Serife went on to become the lead producer of Friday Night Street Jams with Funkmaster Flex, and she became the only woman to run the boards at Hot97 following Angie Martinez.
Serife soon began developing television content with veteran DJ Funkmaster Flex and in 2005, she founded Twilight Video Productions to expand her development slate. While working with Flex, she developed Funk Flex Full Throttle for MTV2. As executive producer of the series, she oversaw all elements of production and cemented her transition to television. She went on to spearhead several series under the Viacom umbrella, including the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Cribs and Sucka Free. She had a key role in developing and producing MTV's Direct Effect, which helped launch the career of noted host and actress La La Anthony. Serife also produced hit series at VH1 and Bravo, including major franchises like Real Housewives of New York, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Mob Wives.
In 2009, Serife launched her production company, Wheels and Heels, to specialize in innovative, culturally relevant docu-series and music programming. She created The Wizards of NYC, a groundbreaking digital series based on the infamous DJs of Hot 97. The Wizards was the first ever series launched on the station's website; it later became the inspiration for Hot 97's first VH1 comedy series and helped create the massive, worldwide, digitally engaged audience that the station knows today.
Serife's passion and creative vision made her a fixture in a revolutionary period in music television, and her commitment to elevating the culture on every platform is ongoing. Inspired by New York City's iconic hip hop music scene in the 90's, she's currently developing a documentary based on the biggest hip hop club of that time - The Tunnel.
Building on her creative imprint at the intersection of music and film, Serife recently produced The Black Mafia Family Documentary, following Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's groundbreaking scripted series BMF on Starz Network. As a versatile producer with an entrepreneurial spirit, and a fearless agent of change, she continues to inspire with the leadership mantra, "I will find a way. I will make a way."
