4. FILMING IN BULGARIA
Welcome to the Balkans! Our studios are just a 2-hour flight from
Paris and London and we will provide you with our facilities, equip-
ment and experienced crew. Here you will find a developed film
industry infrastructure as well as diverse and accessible locations and vibrant lifestyle.
Sofia has a continental climate with long summers and long winters, which
makes it ideal to shoot cold climate films as well a sun-splashed summer fare. It
is situated in western Bulgaria, at the northern foot of the Vitosha mountain, in the
Sofia Valley that is surrounded by mountains. With it’s world-class ski resorts,
mountain ranges, coastlines, and cosmopolitan city life, this jewel of Eastern
Europe works beautifully for any movie with diverse location requirements.
With budgets coming down and quality going up, we are the most viable choice for
the international film community. Our experience in the industry allows us to provide the
high-quality Western production value with the labor and cost savings of Eastern Europe.
75 MOVIES, 200 COMMERCIALS, 500 MUSIC VIDEOS
5. ABOUT US
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UFO Film and Television Studios is an International Production, Animation and Post Production
Services Company based in Los Angeles, California and Sofia, Bulgaria, with its own 5000 m2
studio facility and 56,000 m2 back-lot.
It is a company founded by a combination of Western and European production personnel with over 60
years of combined experience in feature film, television, and commercial production in the United States,
Europe, and Canada.
Since its establishment, UFO has produced over 75 feature films, 200 commercials and 500 music
videos.
6. L.A. PRODUCTION OFFICE
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UFO’s Los Angeles based offices are right in the heart of Studio City giving us a footprint
extending way beyond Eastern Europe.
Four edit suites offer a complete state-of-the-art picture editorial package equipped with FinalCut Pro
HD systems. Each suite is equipped with a Mac Pro Quad Core with 12 GBs of RAM and Black Magic
Intensity Pro Video Card running the Final Cut Studio, Redcinex-Pro, and Adobe Creative Suite, RED
Rocket video card, Mackie mixers, KRK Rokit 5 speakers, Duel 23” Apple Cinema Displays as well as a
46” Samsung TV in each suite.
We have both a creative in-house staff of experienced editors and assistant editors as well as maintain
strategic alliances with outstanding artisans, casting directors, sound houses, equipment rental facilities
and award-winning crews within the industry. This allows us to scale our services to a variety of budgetary
and creative requirements during the entire pre and post-production process. UFO is a one-stop shop
with the talent, creativity, and experience to make your film happen.
Just minutes from the major studios and TV networks, we will inspire your work day with our beautifully
maintained and spacious work areas, a contemporary kitchen and outside courtyard perfect for lunch
meetings or breaking your next story. Come visit us and see why UFO is where talent, creativity and
technology converge.
7. UFO Film and Television Studios is a 4 studio- 5000 m2 (53,819 sq. ft.) complex with full studio
infrastructure and back-lot located 20 minutes from the Sofia city center. In addition to the
studio there is over 56,000 m2 (602,778 sq. ft.) of back-lot and expansion area for new exterior
standing sets and new stages.
THE STUDIO
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Stage 1
The Largest Stage in Bulgaria boasts large vehi-
cle access from 3 Elephant Doors allowing full size
trucks and vehicles to enter the stage.
Stage 2
The second biggest stage at our studio has 2 ele-
phant doors that also permit full size vehicles to
enter the stage.
Size: 1680 m2
/ 18,084 sq ft
Length 56 m / 183 ft
Width 30 m / 98 ft
Height 12 m / 39 ft
Size: 770 m2
/ 7750 sq ft
Length 30 m / 98 ft
Width 24 m / 78 ft
Height 12 m / 39 ft
Size: 480 m2
/ 5210 sq ft
Length 24 m / 78 ft
Width 20 m / 65 ft
Height 12 m / 39 ft
Syc Height: 12 m / 39 ft
Syc Length: 30 m / 98 ft
Size: 480 m2
/ 5210 sq ft
Length 24 m / 78 ft
Width 20 m / 65 ft
Height 12 m / 39 ft
Pool Length: 20 m / 65 ft
Pool Width: 17 m / 55ft
Pool Depth: 1.20 m / 4ft
Stage 3
One of the larger special effects-syc stages in
Europe, it allows for high scale green screen and
blue screen work. Due to its size and elephant door
access, it has been especially designed for large
format special effects work.
Stage 4
This stage has a built in pool area that allows for
interior water sets or flood standing sets. In addi-
tion, when the pool is covered, camera operators
have access under the sets, eliminating the need
to build excess raised sets.
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8. SETS & BACKLOT
Set constructors, painters and prop masters have evolved in the tradition of woodworking and crafts-
manship. Due to their extensive experience and technical skills, our team is made up of the leading
professionals in Europe.
Presently, the UFO Backlot has the following standing sets: an American Town with detailed back alleys
and gas station, complete Western Town, a Medieval Village, a 15th Century Galleon Ship and an Arctic
Research Station.
9.
10. Camera Rental
UFO camera rental services include full Red Epic, Alexa and MYSTERIUM-X Packages, as well as Arri-
Cam Lite, Arri 235 along with BL-4’s, Arri 3’s, Arri 2’s and various other M.O.S. cameras. In addition UFO
carries Master-Ultra Primes, Cook S, Elite lens packages as well as numerous other Zeiss lens packages
and various heads. In addition UFO carries many action cameras including PL mounted SLR Cameras,
Heroes and many other SLR cameras and lenses.
Steadicam
UFO has one of the few full service Steadicam rentals in Eastern Europe, owning a MK-V Nexus and Pro
Arm - Chrosziel Sled Steadicam packages along with a number of more cost effective older Steadicam
packages- all available for rent - with or without operators. In addition UFO has contacts with some of the
premier Steadicam operators in Europe and the United States.
Grip and lighting
UFO has full grip and lighting packages, which include dollies, cranes, hot heads, grip equipment and
process car trailers. Our lighting packages include a complete range of HMI’s, Tungsten, Kino-Flos and
Lightning Strikes lights. Our grip packages include blue and green screens, the new Lite Ring, the
Chromatte screen, and any other piece of equipment for your needs.
EQUIPMENT
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Sound
UFO rentals carry full sound recording packages for field and studio use. Among some of the equipment
available is the newest Fostex and sound device hard drive recorders, and a full complement of radio
microphones, mix boards, and booms.
Editing / HD Online Suite
The editing suite is a full online Final Cut Pro HD system with a full surround sound system, a fully auto-
mated mixing board, dual 30” HD Monitors, 42” Plasma monitor for easy viewing and a luxury to make
your editing experience comfortable.
Editing and Sound Equipment: Quad Power Mac, 8 GB Ram, 8Tb Server, FCP Studio, Black Magic Card
AJA/HD/SDI Converter, Two Apple 30” HD LCD Displays, Graphire Bluetooth Pen/ Tablet, Contour Shuttle
Control 2, M-Audio Axion 49 Advanced MIDI Controller, Digi 002 Fire Wire Audio Device.
Video Equipment: Sony/ HDW-F500- HDCAM Studio VTR w/24P and 60i Compatibility with HKDV-501A/
HD-SD Board, HKDV-506A/ SDTI Dubbing Data Board, HKDV-507/507D-HD Pulldown w/ telefile and
Audio Data kit. DVC Cam Player/ Recorder, Beta SP NTSC, VHS NTSC and PAL and Sony DVD Burner
Zone 1 and 2.
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11. EXPERIENCED CREW
Eastern Europe has a long history of production. During the peak of government-backed filmmaking,
Bulgaria was producing as many as 50 features a year. In a country with a total population of less than
7.5 million that is over 10 times as many feature productions per capita than the United States.
This has contributed to a very deep well-trained crew base.
Most local crew members have 15 or more years experience working on western productions, speaking
English, Italian, French, Spanish and German along with understanding western production customs and
operations including SAG and DGA rules, penalties and regulations.
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12. TALENT
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With Bulgaria’s long history of production there is a large and diverse pool of professional actors and
stuntmen to choose from. From New York to Moscow to the shivery waters of Lake Placid and all points
East, West, North and South, Bulgaria’s talented and seasoned screen professionals transport your pro-
duction to whatever your domestic or international location may be. We’re also blessed by an extremely
experienced and talented corps of stunt coordinators and stunt men working at rates less than a quar-
ter that of their western counterparts.
With the many productions over the last 10 years, a large contingent of local American and British actors
compliments the local thespians. Our large groups of experienced extra talent populate any scene and
are widely available at 80% below western costs. In addition to local extras there is a wide range of eth-
nicity available from Asian to Indian to African Bulgarian. There is no Bulgarian “type”! If you’re casting
to cover the beaches of Southern California we have the blondes and the “bods.” Or if you’re looking to
bring an urban street to life, we have the diversity to give you a high-energy bustle of a typical day.
13. Our Bulgarian Special Effects Division, a partner with our sister company in Los Angeles has over 15
years experience in Digital Special Effects. UFO has over 300 workstations and render engines with 32
full time animators, compositors and digital artists.
Our Special Effects Division can provide you an edge that no other International Production Service
operation can give you, western style distant location special effects service - on location, at Eastern
European budgets. UFO having the experience of over 70 special effect driven projects to date can give
you the same digital luxuries as you would if you were shooting in Paris, LA, New York or London. This
is complimented by our lower costs which give you even more bang for the buck than if you were in a
western production.
We can also provide you on-set digital effects supervisors, special effects consultation, break-
downs, budgets and custom playback screens for on-set 24 and 25 frame and playback.
ANIMATION DEPARTMENT
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The Kodak Laboratory in Sofia has a long history beginning in the 1950’s when the Bulgarian Film
Community was producing as many as 50 feature films a year. The Lab is now run separately by
Kodak. To date, the lab has processed and video work-printed 100’s of features for U.S. and European
Productions. They have also done lab work for many commercial and local productions on an ongoing
basis.
With over 38 years’ experience, many producers have said that the work at the Kodak Lab in Sofia is
equal to Paris Los Angeles, New York or UK Labs.
UFO also has personnel with over 30 years of lab experience on-staff that supervises at the lab
during production to provide immediate negative reports and updates. In addition, the Telecine
operation is capable of delivering HD source masters to address film productions that want to
do a direct HD finish at mastering prices well below US and Western European costs.
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LAB
14. Bulgaria is near the same latitude as Northern California, boasting serene mountains, forests, lakes and
rivers, which can easily replicate the Sierras, the Cascades, the Rockies or the Appalachians. The Pirin
and Rhodope Mountain ranges can easily play as the High Sierras, Colorado, the Alps and if you need
to travel back in time to reenact an ancient Germanic battle between the Goths and Huns, these same
mountains could easily double for the Carpathien mountain range.
Bulgaria has a rich history as seen in its many monasteries, castles and Roman ruins. Various cities can
double for many European Cities while the capital, Sofia, with its many modern, western-style buildings
has doubled for Paris, London, Los Angeles, New York, or Boston. The Black Sea coastal towns, can
double for French Riviera locations, while the beaches can play as the Greek Islands or the Los Angeles
coastline during the warm summer months. These diverse locations boast Western and European archi-
tectural influences and are located next to our studios, in the capital city or at a travel time of less than 3
hours to the furthest location.
Airports, government buildings, universities, beautiful seaside, secluded monasteries, ruins, museums
and the heart of the crowded downtown streets can all be accessible due to UFO’s extensive loca-
tion experience with Eastern Europe. This is complimented with our many years of contacts within the
Bulgarian institutions, government, police, fire, transportation and many embassies allowing us quick
access to any location you may seek.
Our back lots are located at our Dolna Malina studio facility 20 minutes from the heart of Sofia.
It’s a beautiful and ancient city with a history dating back seven thousand years and steeped in tradition.
DIVERSE LOCATIONS
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It is one of the oldest human settlements on the European continent as evidenced by its numerous archi-
tectural monuments and historical landmarks which combine beautifully with the modern city center. As
you walk through Sofia, you can feel the wisdom of the centuries moving along the streets and carried
on the winds. It’s like no place you’ve ever been!
Sofia with its seven thousand-year history is one of the oldest human settlements on the European con-
tinent. Its numerous architectural monuments and historical landmarks, which harbor messages from the
wisdom of the centuries, combine with the modern administrative center of the capital.
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Sofia an Ancient City
15.
16.
17. The capital Sofia is a bustling and vibrant city. The proximate Vitosha Mountain silhouette appears in the
background of the central boulevards, the green parks and the beautiful Orthodox domed churches.
The charming architectural eclecticism, marked by the flashing effects of various European styles and
impressive ruins of the ancient fortress walls and streets peacefully coexist with the elegant cafes and
bistros. All of them diverse in design and offering an impressive menu list, which hardly lacks any of the
gourmet specialties of the modern culinary world.
It’s hard to be bored in Sofia with its marvelous concert halls, art galleries, clubs and underground locales.
It’s a city that comes alive at night, offering a wide variety of experiences for all tastes and preferences.
As a rule, artistic life in Sofia enjoys foreigners. You will find most Bulgarians speak English, which gives
westerners great freedom of communication. Recently a dozen annual festivals and art events contribute
to strengthening the international reputation of the capital city and its cosmopolitan spirit.
Sofia provides excellent conditions for an active life-style with its outdoor tennis courts, golf courses and
horseback riding camps, spa pools, stadiums and well-equipped gyms. Water skiing and wake-boarding
can also be practiced in a man-made lake facility within the city. Sofia is unique and diverse and it is the
only capital city in the world with a ski resort located within the city.
Sofia is both sophisticated and surprisingly modern. With its dozens of luxury hotels all featuring the
amenities we’ve come to expect in the modern business world. Sophisticated interior design, impressive
recreation and luxurious spas will leave you wanting to come back again and again. Sofia is the undis-
covered jewel of the Balkans and an absolute must see for any world traveler.
VIBRANT LIFESTYLE
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18. Managing Director - Phillip Roth
Sales Manager - Nikola Nikolov
International Representative - France
Daniela Sabeva Maccarone
Sales Manager - Poland
Walery Arnaudow
Sales Manager - Greece
Maria Komninos
Office Tel / Fax:
247 Botevgradsko Shosse Blvd., 1517 Sofia, Bulgaria
Managing Member - Jeff Beach
Managing Member - Phillip Roth
Production Exec. - Cherise Honey
Office:
Fax:
13412 Ventura Blvd., Suite 250, Sherman Oaks, California 91423
Sofia studio website:
www.ufofilmstudios.com
phil@ufo-bg.com
nikolov@ufo-bg.com
daniela@ufo-bg.com
walery@ufo-bg.com
mkomninos@hotmail.com
jeff@ufofilm.com
phil@ufo-bg.com
choney@ufofilm.com
UFO download center:
ufofilm.fbiscreeners.com
+359 88 7791613
+359 88 9200203
+33 6 87 42 21 32
+48 606 788 598
+30 693 4386723
+359 2 942 4692
+1 (818) 501-1500
+1 (818) 468-0465
+1 (818) 501-1500
+1 (818) 501-1500
+1 (818) 501-1595
UFO International Productions:
www.ufofilm.com
UFO Film and Television Studios, LTD (Sofia, Bulgaria)
UFO International Productions, LLC (Los Angeles, California, United States)
