Location Inspiration: BULGARIA

When it comes to choosing a versatile and affordable location for your next film production, Bulgaria offers a remarkable range of options. From its diverse landscapes, which include mountains, beaches, and European-style cities, to its top-tier film infrastructure, Bulgaria is the ideal destination for filmmakers seeking quality without the high costs. With MatchPoint Productions as your local partner, led by the experienced duo of Milo Braynov and Valeria Stoykova, you’ll have access to the expertise needed to ensure a smooth, successful production.

Meet the Experts: Milo Braynov & Valeria Stoykova

Milo Braynov, Partner and Producer at MatchPoint Productions, brings a wealth of experience to the company. With Master's Degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from Sofia University, Braynov entered the industry in 2010 as a location manager for Bulgaria’s biggest series, "Undercover." His passion and dedication quickly propelled him to become a production manager specializing in commercials. Since joining MatchPoint Productions in 2014, he has been an integral part of the team, ensuring high-quality productions with a keen focus on logistics and management.

Valeria Stoykova, the Founder, Partner, and Producer at MatchPoint Productions, has over 20 years of experience in the film and advertising industries. With a Master’s Degree in Film, Theatre, and Art from the National Film Academy, Valeria began her career directing theatre projects before transitioning to film production in 2004. She worked with a leading U.S. production company in Bulgaria, gaining valuable experience in feature films. In 2014, she founded MatchPoint Productions, where she has produced dozens of films and hundreds of commercials for both local and international clients. Her expertise spans both film and advertising, making her one of Bulgaria’s most seasoned producers.

Diversity of Locations: From Mountains to Urban Marvels

One of Bulgaria’s strongest assets is its variety of landscapes. Whether you need tranquil beaches, rocky shorelines, European-style cities, or dramatic mountain vistas, the country offers it all. Bulgaria’s natural beauty is complemented by its rich wildlife and plant life, ideal for nature-based films. Urban shoots can benefit from the historic architecture and modern cityscapes that are characteristic of cities like Sofia and Plovdiv.

Additionally, Bulgaria boasts operational sets and back-lots, including well-crafted replicas of New York and London, offering even more flexibility for productions that require international settings without the need for extensive travel.

Climate: Year-Round Filming Opportunities

Bulgaria enjoys a continental climate with four distinct seasons, providing filmmakers the opportunity to shoot throughout the year. Winters are snowy and picturesque, perfect for seasonal scenes, while summers are warm but comfortable. With all four seasons available for filming, you can capture everything from snow-covered landscapes to vibrant summer fields in one location.

Cost Efficiency: A Budget-Friendly Production Hub

Bulgaria is one of the most cost-effective production hubs in Europe. From low location fees to talented local crews offering competitive rates, your production budget will stretch further here than in many other European countries. On top of that, Bulgaria offers a 25% tax incentive for productions, providing even more financial advantages. Combined with the overall low cost of living, it’s easy to see why Bulgaria is a favorite destination for international productions.

Talented Crews and Infrastructure

Bulgaria is home to a wealth of skilled professionals across all aspects of film production. From award-winning directors and production designers to expert stunt crews, the country has an abundance of talent ready to bring your vision to life. MatchPoint Productions can connect you with these professionals and provide access to top-tier technical equipment, sound stages, and back-lots.

Bulgaria’s infrastructure is built to handle productions of any size. Whether you’re filming an indie feature or a large-scale commercial, Bulgaria offers modern sound stages, including replicas of New York, London, and an American suburban set. With the availability of high-end cameras, lighting equipment, and other essential tools, you can be confident in the quality of your production.

Top Filming Locations in Bulgaria

Popular filming locations in Bulgaria include:

Beaches and Coastal Areas – Perfect for summer or seaside scenes.
Mountain Ranges – Ideal for action, adventure, or scenic backdrops.
European-Style Cities – Offering a classic, historical urban environment.
Sets and Back-Lots – Featuring New York and London sets, as well as an American suburban set for versatile location needs.

Visas and Permits: Smooth and Efficient

For European Union citizens, filming in Bulgaria requires no visas or work permits. Non-EU citizens will find the permit process simple and straightforward, with easy access to locations and the necessary permissions.

Insider Tips: Dos, Don’ts, and Hidden Gems

Trusting your local partner, MatchPoint Productions, is key to success when filming in Bulgaria. The country is welcoming and safe for foreigners, with few strict cultural rules. However, when visiting religious sites or traditional villages, it’s important to be respectful of local customs. Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, is a multicultural hub, while smaller towns offer a glimpse into more traditional Bulgarian life.

For accommodation in Sofia, the city center is the best place to stay, with top hotels like the Hyatt, Grand Hotel Sofia, and Intercontinental providing comfort and convenience. Bulgaria’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of local and international flavors, with seasonal produce and famous local specialties like Bulgarian yogurt and goat cheese sure to impress.

Why Bulgaria Should Be Your Next Production Destination

With its diverse landscapes, low production costs, skilled crews, and tax incentives, Bulgaria is the perfect location for your next film or commercial. Partnering with MatchPoint Productions ensures that you’ll have expert guidance from two of the country’s top producers, Milo Braynov and Valeria Stoykova, ensuring your production is smooth, efficient, and successful. Whether you’re creating a feature film, commercial, or television series, Bulgaria offers everything you need for a top-quality production.