Filming in Bulgaria - Fillm Production Services & Camera Crews

Bulgaria has a diverse climate, with a continental climate prevailing in most of the country and a Mediterranean climate along the Black Sea coast. The weather conditions in Bulgaria can vary significantly depending on the season and the region of the country.

The best filming seasons in Bulgaria are typically spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with moderate temperatures and relatively stable weather conditions. This makes it easier to plan and execute outdoor shoots, as well as to work with natural light.

Summer (June to August) can be hot and dry in Bulgaria, particularly in the low-lying areas, which can make filming uncomfortable and challenging. The Black Sea coast can be particularly crowded with tourists during the summer months, which can also make it more difficult to film.

Winter (December to February) can be quite cold and snowy, especially in the mountainous regions, which can limit the filming opportunities, although there may be some opportunities for winter or holiday-themed shoots.

Overall, spring and autumn are the best seasons for filming in Bulgaria, with mild weather, lower tourist traffic, and beautiful natural scenery. However, it’s important to keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to have contingency plans in case of unexpected weather events.

Bulgaria has a wide range of filming locations that can accommodate a variety of productions. Here are some of the best filming locations in Bulgaria:

Sofia – Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, offers a mix of modern and historical architecture, including the ancient Serdica ruins, the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the modern National Palace of Culture.
Plovdiv – The city of Plovdiv is one of the oldest in Europe and offers a variety of ancient and medieval architecture, including the Roman Theatre, the Ancient Stadium, and the Old Town with its cobblestone streets and traditional houses.
Rila Monastery – The Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bulgaria’s most iconic landmarks. It is located in the beautiful Rila Mountains and offers stunning natural scenery, as well as impressive religious and cultural architecture.
Black Sea Coast – Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of beautiful beaches, resorts, and seaside towns, as well as the ancient city of Nessebar, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pirin National Park – The Pirin National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of Bulgaria’s most stunning natural scenery, including the beautiful Pirin Mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests.
Veliko Tarnovo – Veliko Tarnovo is a medieval town located in the heart of Bulgaria and offers a variety of historical architecture, including the Tsarevets Fortress and the beautiful Old Town.

Overall, Bulgaria offers a diverse range of filming locations that can accommodate a variety of productions, from historical and cultural dramas to modern and action-packed films.

Photo, video, TV, and film studios rental, and film backlots in Bulgaria are relatively affordable compared to other European countries. The cost of renting a studio or backlot will depend on various factors, including the size and location of the facility, the equipment provided, and the duration of the rental.

There are several film studios and production facilities in Bulgaria that offer a variety of options for photo, video, TV, and film production. Some of the most well-known studios in Bulgaria include Nu Boyana Film Studios, which is one of the largest film studios in Eastern Europe, and Sofia Film Studios, which has several sound stages and backlots.

In addition to studios, Bulgaria also has several film backlots, which are outdoor sets designed to replicate various environments, such as city streets, villages, and historical landmarks. These backlots can be rented for filming, and they offer a cost-effective way to create realistic outdoor scenes without the need for extensive location scouting and permitting.

Overall, Bulgaria’s film industry infrastructure provides a range of options for photo, video, TV, and film production, and the cost of rental and backlots are generally affordable and competitive with other European countries.

Bulgaria has several cities with advanced photo, video, TV, and film facilities. Here are some of the cities that stand out:

Sofia – Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and has the most advanced film industry infrastructure in the country. It is home to Nu Boyana Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in Eastern Europe, and has several other production facilities, sound stages, and post-production companies.
Plovdiv – Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and has a growing film industry. It has several production companies, post-production houses, and sound stages, as well as a range of historic and modern locations that make it an ideal filming destination.
Varna – Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea and has a thriving film industry. It has several production facilities, sound stages, and post-production companies, as well as access to beautiful beaches, resorts, and coastal locations that make it an ideal filming destination.
Burgas – Burgas is another coastal city on the Black Sea and has a growing film industry. It has several production companies, post-production houses, and sound stages, as well as access to beautiful beaches, resorts, and coastal locations that make it an ideal filming destination.
Veliko Tarnovo – Veliko Tarnovo is a historic city in the heart of Bulgaria and has a growing film industry. It has several production facilities, sound stages, and post-production companies, as well as a range of historic locations that make it an ideal filming destination for historical and period pieces.

Overall, Sofia is the most advanced city in Bulgaria in terms of film industry infrastructure, but other cities like Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Veliko Tarnovo are also developing their film industries and offer a range of facilities and locations for photo, video, TV, and film production.

Bulgaria has a long history of film production, and its film industry has produced a diverse range of movies over the years, including historical epics, action thrillers, romantic dramas, and more. Here are some examples of films produced in Bulgaria:

The Expendables 2 (2012) – This action-packed movie starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger was partially filmed at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia.
300: Rise of an Empire (2014) – This epic historical action film was partially filmed in Bulgaria, including scenes shot at the Black Sea coast.
Victoria (2016) – This crime thriller was entirely filmed in Sofia and became one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year.
The Way Back (2010) – This historical drama starring Colin Farrell and Ed Harris was partially filmed in Bulgaria, including scenes shot in the Rila Mountains.
Conan the Barbarian (2011) – This action-fantasy movie was partially filmed in Bulgaria, including scenes shot at the Rila Monastery.
Day of the Dead: Bloodline (2018) – This horror movie was entirely filmed in Bulgaria, including scenes shot at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia.
The Legend of Hercules (2014) – This action-adventure movie starring Kellan Lutz was partially filmed in Bulgaria, including scenes shot at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia.

Overall, Bulgaria’s film industry has contributed to the production of many international films, and the country has increasingly become a popular filming destination for Hollywood and international productions.

The cost of filming in Bulgaria is relatively affordable compared to neighboring countries in Europe. Bulgaria offers a favorable cost-benefit ratio for filming productions, with competitive rates for various services and an advantageous tax regime.

Some of the factors that make filming in Bulgaria affordable include:

Lower Labor Costs – Bulgaria has a lower cost of living and labor costs compared to neighboring European countries, which results in lower production costs.
Favorable Tax Incentives – Bulgaria offers a tax incentive program that provides a 25% cash rebate on qualified local expenses for film, TV, and animation productions.
Affordable Production Services – The cost of production services in Bulgaria, such as equipment rental, studio rentals, and post-production services, are generally lower than in neighboring countries.
Variety of Locations – Bulgaria offers a wide variety of locations for filming, from mountain ranges and beaches to historical landmarks and urban environments, which provides filmmakers with greater flexibility in finding the right location for their production needs.

Overall, the cost of filming in Bulgaria is competitive with other neighboring countries in Europe and provides filmmakers with a range of cost-effective options for photo, video, TV, and film production.

Bulgaria is generally a safe country for filming, and there are no significant safety concerns for filmmakers in most parts of the country. However, there are some sensitive regions in Bulgaria that filmmakers should be aware of and take appropriate precautions.

The border regions with Turkey and Greece – While these areas are generally safe, they have been known to have occasional incidents of illegal border crossings and smuggling.
The Roma neighborhoods in some cities – While these areas are generally safe, they can be sensitive, and filmmakers should be respectful of the local culture and traditions.
Some remote mountain regions – While these areas are generally safe, they can be difficult to access, and filmmakers should be prepared for the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Some industrial and urban areas – While these areas are generally safe, they may require additional permits or clearance for filming, and filmmakers should be aware of any local regulations or restrictions.

Overall, Bulgaria is a safe country for filming, and sensitive regions are limited. Filmmakers should be respectful of local customs and traditions, obtain any necessary permits, and take appropriate safety precautions when filming in sensitive areas.

Filming Permit
The permits required for filming in Bulgaria depend on the type of production and the specific location. Here are some of the potential permits that filmmakers may need to obtain:
General Filming Permit: This is a permit that allows filmmakers to shoot in public spaces, such as streets, parks, and government buildings. The permit is issued by the municipal or regional authorities where the filming will take place.
Location Permit: This is a permit that allows filmmakers to shoot on private property. The permit is issued by the owner of the property or their representative.
Drone Permit: Filmmakers who plan to use drones for aerial footage must obtain a permit from the Bulgarian Civil Aviation Authority.
Pyrotechnics Permit: Filmmakers who plan to use pyrotechnics must obtain a permit from the relevant authorities.
Road Closure Permit: Filmmakers who plan to close a road for filming purposes must obtain a permit from the local police and the municipality where the road is located.
Historical Monument Permit: Filmmakers who plan to shoot at a historical monument or site must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Culture.
National Park Permit: Filmmakers who plan to shoot in a national park or protected area must obtain a permit from the relevant authorities.
The specific permits required will depend on the nature of the production and the locations used. It is important to obtain all necessary permits before beginning production to avoid any legal issues.
Visas for foreign crew
Bulgaria is a member state of the European Union, and its visa policies are in line with the EU regulations. Citizens of many countries are permitted to enter Bulgaria without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, for purposes of tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. The list of countries whose citizens are exempt from the visa requirement can be found on the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, for filming purposes, a visa is required for citizens of most countries. The type of visa required will depend on the length of stay and the purpose of the production. Filmmakers who plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days or who plan to work on a long-term project will need to apply for a long-stay visa.
The visa application process typically involves submitting an application form, along with supporting documents such as a letter of invitation from the production company, a shooting schedule, and a copy of the filming permit. The application process can take several weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of the planned start date for production.
It is important to note that visa requirements and procedures can change, and filmmakers should consult with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their home country for the latest information and guidance on the visa application process.

The film crews in Bulgaria are generally experienced, skilled, and professional. They have worked on a variety of local and international productions and have experience with a range of filming techniques and equipment.

The fees for film crews in Bulgaria are generally lower compared to other European countries, but this does not compromise the quality of work. The exact cost will depend on the size of the crew, the duration of the shoot, and the complexity of the production.

Most film crews in Bulgaria speak English, which is widely spoken in the country’s film industry. Some crew members may also speak other languages, such as Bulgarian, Russian, or German.

The number of hours included in each shooting day depends on the type of production and the requirements of the shoot. The standard working day for film crews in Bulgaria is 10 hours, but this can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the production. Overtime is also available for crew members who work more than the standard hours, and the rate is usually negotiated in advance. It is important to note that working hours and overtime rates are regulated by labor laws in Bulgaria, and filmmakers should ensure that they comply with these regulations.

World Production Service is your one-stop-shop for all production needs in Bulgaria. We have an extensive network of top-notch photo, video, TV, and film crews as well as established relationships with leading production companies, media and casting agencies, and other service providers in Bulgaria.

We can rapidly assemble an exceptional production team in Bulgaria that is tailored to your production requirements, be it factual, branded, frictional or educational content. Whether you need a photo crew, video crew, TV crew, or film crew, we can provide you with the best professionals in the industry.

Additionally, we offer a variety of production companies to choose from, including film production company, video production company, photo production company, documentary production company, TV production company, TV commercial production company, and branded video production company in Bulgaria. Our goal is to ensure that we meet all your production needs and deliver results that exceed your expectations.

With World Production Service, you can be sure that your production needs will be taken care of seamlessly and professionally in Bulgaria.

The art department in the Bulgarian film industry is generally considered to be highly skilled and experienced. The art directors, set designers, and prop makers in Bulgaria have worked on a range of local and international productions, and are known for their creativity, attention to detail, and ability to work within tight budgets.

Art direction in Bulgaria is usually approached with a focus on authenticity and realism. The art directors work closely with the director and the cinematographer to create a visual style that supports the storytelling and enhances the mood of the film. They are also skilled in adapting to different periods, styles, and genres, and can create convincing sets and props for historical or fantastical productions.

Set construction in Bulgaria is also known for its quality and efficiency. The construction crews are experienced in building sets of various sizes and complexities, and can create convincing and functional environments for the actors and the camera. They are also skilled in building temporary structures that can be easily dismantled and relocated for shooting on location.

Prop making in Bulgaria is also highly regarded, with craftsmen skilled in a range of materials, from wood and metal to foam and resin. They can create realistic and detailed props, from weapons and furniture to small items that add texture and realism to the scene.

Overall, the art department in the Bulgarian film industry is known for its professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail, and can provide high-quality art direction, set construction, and prop making services for local and international productions.

Local Equipment Rental
Photo, video, TV, and film equipment rental services are available in Bulgaria, and there are several leading companies that offer these services. Some of the top companies for equipment rental in Bulgaria include:

CineLab – CineLab is a leading provider of equipment rental for film and video production in Bulgaria. They offer a wide range of cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, and sound equipment.
Dynamic Rentals – Dynamic Rentals is another major equipment rental company in Bulgaria, offering a range of cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, and sound equipment for film and TV productions.
Red Light – Red Light is a rental company that specializes in lighting and grip equipment for film and TV production. They offer a range of lighting solutions, including LED panels, tungsten lights, and HMI lights, as well as grip equipment such as tripods, dollies, and cranes.
SetPilot – SetPilot is a rental company that specializes in cameras, lenses, and accessories for film and TV production. They offer a range of high-end cameras, such as RED, Arri, and Sony, as well as lenses, monitors, and other accessories.
PentaVision – PentaVision is a rental company that specializes in video and photography equipment for commercial and corporate projects. They offer a range of cameras, lenses, lighting, and accessories, as well as a studio space for photography and video shoots.
Overall, the equipment rental industry in Bulgaria is competitive, with several leading companies offering high-quality equipment and services for film, TV, and video productions.

Bringing Equipment into Bulgaria
If you are traveling to Bulgaria with filming equipment for a temporary stay, you may need to follow certain rules and regulations regarding customs clearance and temporary importation. In most cases, it is recommended to obtain an ATA Carnet, which is an international customs document that allows for the temporary importation of goods, including filming equipment, without paying customs duties or taxes.

Bulgaria is a member of the ATA Carnet system, so if you have an ATA Carnet for your filming equipment, you can use it to temporarily import your equipment into Bulgaria without paying customs duties or taxes. However, it is important to note that the ATA Carnet does not exempt you from any other necessary permits or approvals required for filming in Bulgaria, such as filming permits, visas, or other legal requirements.

If you do not have an ATA Carnet, you may still be able to temporarily import your filming equipment into Bulgaria by declaring it to customs upon arrival. You will need to provide a detailed list of the equipment you are bringing, as well as any supporting documentation such as invoices or certificates of origin. You may also be required to pay a deposit or provide a bond to cover any potential customs duties or taxes.

It is always recommended to check the latest rules and regulations regarding temporary importation of goods and equipment with the Bulgarian customs authorities and the relevant embassy or consulate in your country before traveling to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has a variety of casting agencies that offer a range of services for productions of all types, including film, television, commercials, and theater.
Some of the top casting agencies in Bulgaria include:

Casthouse – Casthouse is one of the leading casting agencies in Bulgaria, representing a wide range of talented actors and actresses for film, TV, and commercial productions.
Varna Film Studios Casting – Varna Film Studios Casting is another prominent casting agency in Bulgaria, with a focus on providing casting services for international productions.
Creative Casting – Creative Casting is a casting agency based in Sofia, Bulgaria, representing a diverse range of actors and actresses for film, TV, and theater productions.
BgTalents – BgTalents is a talent agency that represents a range of actors, models, and other talent for film, TV, and commercial productions in Bulgaria.
Vision Casting – Vision Casting is a casting agency based in Sofia, Bulgaria, representing both experienced actors and newcomers to the industry.

Overall, the talent pool in Bulgaria is growing and there are several reputable casting agencies that can help productions find the right talent for their projects.

Bulgaria has a growing post-production industry, with a number of studios offering a range of services including editing, color grading, sound design, and visual effects. Some of the most prominent post-production companies in Bulgaria include:

Nu Boyana Film Studios – Nu Boyana is one of the largest film studios in Bulgaria, offering a range of post-production services including editing, sound design, visual effects, and animation.
Cinemotion – Cinemotion is a post-production company that specializes in color grading and finishing for film and television projects.
Postmodern – Postmodern is a post-production studio that offers a range of services including editing, sound design, and visual effects.
Phoenix Film – Phoenix Film is a post-production studio that specializes in visual effects and animation for film, TV, and advertising projects.
Red Vertex – Red Vertex is a studio that specializes in 3D modeling, animation, and visual effects for film, TV, and advertising projects.
In terms of animation and VFX, Bulgaria has a number of studios that are capable of delivering high-quality work for international productions. Some of the top animation and VFX studios in Bulgaria include:
Chaos Group – Chaos Group is a Bulgarian software company that produces V-Ray, a leading 3D rendering and simulation software used in film, TV, and advertising.
Miramar Film – Miramar Film is a studio that specializes in animation, visual effects, and 3D modeling for film, TV, and advertising.
Gutsy Animations – Gutsy Animations is a Bulgarian animation studio that produces high-quality 2D and 3D animation for film, TV, and advertising.
Lemonade Animation – Lemonade Animation is a studio that specializes in 2D animation, motion graphics, and visual effects for film, TV, and advertising.

Overall, Bulgaria has a growing post-production and animation/VFX industry, with a number of studios capable of delivering high-quality work for international productions.