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Nu Boyana Film Studios

How to get to the studio :
By Air -
There are short direct flighs from most European capitals to Sofia International Airport.

By Car -
Nu Boyana Film Studios is within 20 min drive from Sofia International  Airport.The studio is Located off Sofia’s ring road, at the foothills of the Vitosha mountain.

By taxi -
It will cost approximately 22 leva (12 EUR) from Sofia International Airport to Nu Boyana Film Studios.

Bulgaria the home of “Orpheus” and the “Thracian Kings”, the center of the Ancient World  and 5000 years of history.

Why here

Bulgaria is now one of Europe's hottest spots for film production, travel and  vacation.

When it comes to choosing your next film location, several factors combine in making it a preferred shooting destination:

• Highly experienced and motivated crews.
• Scenic locations – towering mountains, wide open planes, crystal clear rivers and lakes, spectacular sandy beaches and coastline. Urban locations, a wide variety of architecture, from the very old to the very new.
• Low film production costs - as much as 30% lower than Central European production costs and substantially below those in the Western part of the continent, USA, South Africa or Israel.
• Our ability to build cost-effectively high-quality sets is unparalleled. We also guarantee local VAT refund.
• Short direct flights from most European capitals.
• Member of the EU with rapidly growing economy and improving infrastructure.
• Good transportation services and wide choice of excellent accommodation possibilities.
• High level of safety and friendly attitude of people.
• A predominant number of people speak fluent English and other languages.

Work Visas

Cast and crew who do not hold Bulgarian or European Union passports require a work permit.

Location scouting requires only a tourist visa as applicable to your nationality.

Visitor Visas

Many countries have visa waiver agreements for visits of up to three months. These are essentially tourist visas suitable for tasks such as location scouting.

General Information

National name: Republic of Bulgaria
Official language: Bulgarian
Alphabet: Cyrillic
Capital: Sofia
Area: 110,994 sq km/ 42,855sq mi
Population: 7.36 million
Time difference: GMT +1
Currency: Bulgarian Leva(BGN)

Important phone numbers

International Telephone code: + 359 ( city code) + phone number
Police: 166
Medical emergency:  150
Fire service: 160
Road assistance: 146

Holidays-non working days 

January 1  - New Year 
March 3 – National Liberation Day
May 1  - International Labor Day 
Orthodox Easter – from Good Friday to the second day of Easter
May 6 – St George’s Day
May 24 – Day of the Bulgarian Education, Culture and Slav Letters
September 6 – Unification Day
September 22 - Independence Day
December 24-26 – Christmas

Visas: General Informations

Bulgaria and the European Union’s Common Visa Policy. Since 1 January 2007 the Republic of Bulgaria has been applying the European Union’s Common Visa Policy, subject to the terms of the Accession Treaty.

Visa-free regime for holders of Schengen visas for a stay of up to 90 days

Currently Bulgaria issues national visas only. Those visas do not give their holders the right to enter the Schengen area.

Many counries have visa waiver agreements for visits of up to three months. These are essentially tourist visas suitable for tasks such as location scouting.

• Work Visas 

Cast and crew who do not hold Bulgarian or European Union passports require a work permit which is easy to obtain.

• How to obtain

For up date information on visa requirements, please visit the  web site of The Diplomatic Mission of Bulgaria in your country.

More Background on Nu Boyana Film Studios

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The current website for the Nu Boyana Film Studios can be found at: https://nuboyana.com/.

Nu Boyana Film Studios stands as one of the largest and most advanced film production complexes in Europe, located in the Boyana district of Sofia, Bulgaria. Its history, capacity, creative environment, and impact on both local and international cinema make it a keystone in the world of filmmaking. This article provides an in-depth, standalone overview of Nu Boyana, covering its origins, evolution, key features, major productions, industry reputation, and broader significance.

History and Origins

Nu Boyana Film Studios traces its origins to 1962, when it was founded as Boyana Film Studios, Bulgaria’s state-run film and television production facility. Throughout the communist era, Boyana was central to Bulgaria’s audiovisual output, responsible for producing the majority of the country’s films and television productions. After the early 1990s, the fall of communism led to economic reforms and the transformation of Boyana into the privatized, modernized studio complex known today as Nu Boyana Film Studios.

A new era began with the acquisition and extensive redevelopment by industry giants Nu Image and Millennium Films. Substantial investment over the following years transformed the studio into a contemporary, internationally competitive space, attracting projects from Hollywood and beyond.

Location and Accessibility

Nu Boyana Film Studios sits at 84 Kumata street, Kinocentar, Boyana, 1616 Sofia, Bulgaria. The campus lies at the foothills of Vitosha Mountain with scenic surroundings, about 20 minutes by car from Sofia International Airport and city center. The strategic location makes it easily accessible for both local and incoming international film professionals.

Facilities and Capabilities

Covering over 30 hectares (75 acres), Nu Boyana boasts:

• More than 10 modern sound stages, outfitted for diverse production needs.

• Extensive standing sets that authentically replicate New York, London, Rome, and other urban or historical environments.

• A large-scale water tank for aquatic shoots.

• Kodak Cinelabs film processing and digital post-production facilities.

• Worldwide FX, one of Europe’s leading visual effects (VFX) and CGI studios, located on-site.

• Workshops for set construction, prop design, wardrobe, and special effects.

• Comprehensive production offices and green rooms.

• All-in-one support for logistics, security, accommodation arrangements, and on-set services.

The combined resources allow Nu Boyana to provide end-to-end production—from initial scripts and designs through shooting, editing, VFX, and final delivery.

Costs, Tax Incentives & Support

Bulgaria offers film production costs up to 30% lower than in Central or Western Europe and significantly beneath those in the U.S. or South Africa. Nu Boyana provides even greater savings due to their local expertise and infrastructure. Bulgaria’s tax regime features a flat 10% personal and corporate income tax—among the lowest in Europe—and foreign productions can benefit from VAT refunds. Production incentives, available up to 30%, further enhance financial viability, attracting filmmakers from around the world.

Projects and Productions

Since its redevelopment, Nu Boyana has been chosen to host hundreds of productions, including blockbuster films, independent movies, high-profile commercials, and music videos. Some notable titles include:

• The “Expendables” franchise

• “Rambo V: Last Blood”

• “300: Rise of an Empire”

• “The Black Dahlia”

• “Conan the Barbarian” (2011)

• “The Way Back”

• “London Has Fallen,” “Angel Has Fallen,” and the rest of the “Has Fallen” series

• Commercials for Coca Cola, New Balance, L’Oreal, Yoplait, and more

• Music videos for international artists and productions

The studio is also known for its quick turnaround and ability to execute simultaneous large-scale projects. For example, it handled the VFX for “The Expendables,” which was widely recognized for its technical achievements.

Notable Guests and Events

Nu Boyana Film Studios is regularly visited by renowned filmmakers, actors, and producers. Its sets have hosted stars like Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, and Gerard Butler, as well as directors such as Peter Weir and Carlo Carley. It serves as a meeting point for international collaborations and often represents Bulgaria at major festivals and industry events.

Professional Services Provided

Nu Boyana provides a comprehensive menu of production services including:

• Pre-production support: Script review, budgeting, casting, location scouting, set and costume design.

• Production: Sound stages, camera and grip packages, workshops.

• Post-production: Editing, sound mixing, color grading, VFX, and digital deliverables.

• Legal and logistics: Permit arrangements, visa assistance, travel and hospitality, translation, and customs support.

Crews are known for their professionalism, technical skill, and ability to work efficiently with both local and international teams.

Industry Reputation and Recognition

Regarded as “the East European Hollywood,” Nu Boyana receives consistently positive reviews for its flexibility, cost efficiency, quality of output, and professionalism. Reviews from filmmakers and industry professionals highlight the studio's ability to provide Hollywood-level facilities at a lower cost, complemented by a welcoming and solution-oriented team. Its standing sets and technological capability, especially in visual effects, make it a prime choice for action, historical, and high-concept productions.

Mission and Philosophy

Nu Boyana’s mission is to provide filmmakers with an environment that allows for artistic vision to flourish within budgetary constraints while ensuring a comfortable and supportive creative workspace. The focus remains on quality, professionalism, and innovation at every production level. This dedication is matched by continuous investments in new technology, sets, and training.

Broader Significance

Beyond being a filming venue, Nu Boyana actively supports education and training, operating a film school that nurtures new talent in directing, cinematography, writing, and production. The studio is also involved in cultural and humanitarian initiatives, enhancing its reputation further as a responsible and progressive institution within the Bulgarian and international film communities.

Bulgaria as a Filming Destination

Bulgaria offers filmmakers not only financial advantages but also a diversity of scenic landscapes—from mountains to beaches—and a mix of classical and modern architecture. The presence of skilled crews, language capabilities (many speak fluent English and other languages), and strong safety record make the country attractive for long-term and repeat productions.

Nu Boyana Film Studios has evolved into a modern, vibrant center for international film and television production. With a storied history, first-class facilities, strategic financial advantages, and a strong focus on professionalism and creativity, it remains a leading choice for filmmakers globally. Whether producing a Hollywood blockbuster, a European art film, or a global brand commercial, Nu Boyana exemplifies the spirit of modern, international cinema rooted in rich tradition and looking firmly to the future.