FOCUS talks to Alex Kenanov of Nu Boyana Film Studios, Bulgaria.
Having been in operation for over 50 years, Nu Boyana Film Studios has become staple of Bulgaria’s production industry. We spoke to Alex Kenanov regarding his plans to represent Nu Boyana at this year’s FOCUS event.
Alex you attended both FOCUS 2015 and 2016. What brings you back this year?
The people and the networking! FOCUS is a chance for us to meet new partners and promote our work. The main goal for us is to show people what we have and what we can offer, so FOCUS presents us with the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
Please tell us about Nu Boyana studios and the facilities you have on offer on the lot?
The studio itself has a variety of sound stages, existing sets, an underwater shooting pool, a real forest, camera equipment, lighting equipment, grip, wardrobe with more than 7,000,000 costumes, and motion capture facilities. We also have full post-production services from editing through to colour-grading, sound mixing and recording to VFX. The studio has its own in-house production company (B2Y Productions) and post-production companies (WWFX and Boyana FX). It is equipped with a full-on theatre with AVID S6 console and Dolby Atmos system where you can see and make all your changes on the big screen in real-time. It can offer a one stop shop for your productions and can increase the production value of your project because of that.
What foreign productions have used Nu Boyana stages over the years?
We have facilitated multiple productions ranging from local films to high-budget Hollywood shoots. In the world of commercials we have worked with brands like Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Toyota, Heineken, LIDL, Orange and a lot more. For the last two years we have done more than 100 projects.
What makes Bulgaria a ‘film-friendly’ country to shoot in?
The main thing is that you get a lot more production value on screen for the same budget you would spend elsewhere. The local crews are extremely experienced as they constantly work on large productions. Getting all the needed permissions from the authorities is a much faster process than other places. The country itself is very small so you can shoot different types of terrain and locations by travelling only four hours from one end to the other. The country offers great seaside but also high mountains. It has four seasons. The difference in exchange rate gives you an advantage as the local LEV cost only half a euro (EUR1 euro is LEV1.95583).
What was the most common question you got from producers at FOCUS last year about filming at Nu Boyana studios?
Usually it’s “do you offer a tax rebate?”. There isn’t a tax rebate offered in Bulgaria, but you still get lower costs which can provide you with great value for money. We are however, currently exploring the possibilities of offering a film investment to compensate this. People also have an opinion about the country as old communist country and they don’t realise that it has changed so much. If I can give a comparison of the capital, it would be Berlin of 10 years ago.
In a sentence, how would you describe FOCUS to a producer friend thinking of attending FOCUS this year for the first time?
Networking system that would help you find the right people for your project.
Many thanks Alex. Looking forward to seeing you at FOCUS.
FOCUS 2017 will take place at London’s Business Design Centre, December 5th and 6th. To register your attendance for the event, click here.
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