A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Bulgaria
Fixer Bulgaria works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Bulgaria: What You Need to Know
Film permits are required if you want to film in a public location Bulgaria. Your application must be handled by a local fixer or an authorised Bulgarian production company. The application itself needs ot be written in Bulgarian and include releavtn details such as:
- A short project synopsis
- Your shooting schedule
- Detailed quipment list
- Film crew size
Once your application is submitted, you may have to wait up to two weeks for approval. It’s worth building this into your pre-production timeline, particularly if you’re on a tight schedule.
In addition to the standard permit, filmmakers should be aware of the related fees and permissions. For instance, a filming tax must be paid to the National Film Centre (NFC), with separate rates depending on whether your shoot lasts less than or more than a month.
If you’re filming on private property, you’ll also need written permission from the owner before rolling cameras. And, again, a fee may be necessary.
These requirements might make your application sound challenging., However, they’re straightforward once you know the steps. Furthermore, Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and welcoming film community make the effort well worth it.
Timing Your Bulgarian Film Production around the Weather
When you film in Bulgaria really depends on the nature and hoped for look of your project . For instance, if your video calls for a warm, Mediterranean feel, then shooting along Bulgaria’s eastern riviera in summer makes sense. The country has a beautiful coastline along the Black Sea with several picturesque towns and villages. The winter months present beautiful vistas of snow-covered mountains and charming alpine towns inland like Banska and Borovets. These are perfect for winter sports documentaries and films.
On the lookout for great natural light to film rural or urban stories? Spring or autumn may be a better choice as it offers milder weather with 12-15 hours of daylight.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Renting film equipment in Bulgaria is generally the most practical and cheaper solution for international filmmakers, especially with short-term shoots.
The country’s rental prices are notably lower than in Central or Western Europe, and by renting locally, you can avoid the high costs, insurance, and customs complexities of transporting your own gear.
Bulgaria boasts a well-developed film industry, so there are several equipment rental businesses in the country; however, most of them are based in the capital city, Sofia. The biggest companies are very well stocked, so you can rent cine-equipment like Arri Alexa cameras, as well as documentary equipment.
Bulgaria also boasts a large pool of skilled, English-speaking crew members and talent, and again, hiring fees are typically more affordable than in many other European countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, Bulgaria is an ATA carnet country.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, it is safe to film in Bulgaria. Roads in Bulgaria can be tricky if you don’t regularly drive along them, so we would recommend using a local driver to ensure road safety at all times.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
No, you do not. EU citizens can apply for a regular Tourist Schengen visa instead, which will allow them to work and stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
If you and your crew are non-EU citizens, you will need a local company to vouch for your stay. But this is not required to shoot a regular project.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes. Bulgaria is part of EASA and therefore any drone use must adhere to European laws.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Yes, there is a 25% cash rebate on eligible local expenses for film and TV productions available through the Bulgarian National Film Center. The rebate is capped at €1.1 million per project and is subject to certain eligibility criteria, including the requirement for a local co-producer or service company registered in Bulgaria or the EU. In addition, it’s not always easy to obtain this tax exemption and we would not recommend film companies depend on this for funding.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, you can shoot in natural parks as long as you obtain all necessary special permits from the local authorities and the Ministry of Environment. However, the process of obtaining permits can be complicated depending on your project’s needs.
Working with Fixer Bulgaria
We’ve had the pleasure and the privilege of supporting many international films, TV shows, documentaries, and adverts for well-known global platforms and brands. Most recently, for the BBC, we handled permits and local access for the Race Across the World, logistics and location management for the World Health Organization (WHO), and undertook several other collaborative projects for platforms and brands including Canal+, National Geographic, and Nike.
As a member of the global network Storytailors, we’ve been able to greatly expand the services we offer with the aim to make sure that we can handle whatever you need us to, when you need us to, and with the professionalism you’d expect from any major film fixer agency.
