Bulgaria is one of the most cost-effective filming destinations available to US productions. A full crew day that costs $80,000 in Los Angeles runs under $20,000 in Sofia - with no compromise on technical quality, English-language communication, or production standards American crews are used to. Push Pull Production provides end-to-end production services for US advertising agencies, production companies, and studios shooting in Bulgaria.
Why US Productions Choose Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers dramatic location diversity - alpine mountains, Black Sea coastline, Roman ruins, Soviet architecture, and purpose-built backlots representing New York, London, and ancient Rome - all within three hours of Sofia. The country is EU territory, meaning clear legal frameworks, reliable infrastructure, and no customs complications for equipment. Bulgaria adopted the euro in January 2026, so budgets are straightforward with no currency conversion. And unlike some Eastern European alternatives, Bulgaria has decades of experience servicing American clients from agency producers to major studio units.
What We Provide
Push Pull handles everything from initial location scouting and permitting to full crew, equipment, casting, and post-production coordination. We work to US production schedules, provide English-speaking heads of department, and manage all local logistics so your team can focus on the creative. We have serviced US productions across commercials, automotive campaigns, fashion shoots, and documentary work.
Bringing a US production to Bulgaria? Send us your brief and we will respond within 48 hours with locations, budget indications, and crew availability.
Explore Our Locations
Natural Locations - mountains, forests and Black Sea coastline. Backlots - New York, London, Rome and Middle East standing sets. Studios - sound stages and production facilities in Sofia. City - Sofia and Plovdiv urban locations. View all locations.
Extended Shooting Territory - North Greece and North Macedonia
Push Pull's production territory extends beyond Bulgaria. We service shoots in northern Greece - including the Halkidiki peninsula and Thessaloniki - as well as North Macedonia, all under the same team and the same logistics chain. For productions wanting Aegean beaches, traditional Greek fishing villages, or the dramatic Macedonian highlands, we handle scouting, permitting and crew in all three countries without the need for a second service company. One brief, one point of contact, three countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to film a commercial in Bulgaria compared to the US?
A full crew day in Sofia typically runs at 20-30% of equivalent costs in Los Angeles or New York. Production budgets that would cover two shoot days in the US commonly cover a full week in Bulgaria with no compromise on technical quality.
How long is the flight from the US to Sofia?
There are no direct flights from the US to Sofia. The most common routes connect through London (Heathrow), Frankfurt or Amsterdam, with total travel time of 11-13 hours from New York and 14-16 hours from Los Angeles.
Do US productions need a work permit to shoot in Bulgaria?
EU nationals and most Western passport holders can enter Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days. For productions bringing equipment, an ATA Carnet is recommended. Push Pull handles all permit, location and customs logistics as part of the production service.
Is English spoken on Bulgarian film sets?
Yes. Heads of department across camera, lighting, grip, art and production in Bulgaria are accustomed to working in English with international directors and producers. Push Pull provides English-speaking production coordinators and line producers throughout.
Does Bulgaria offer film production incentives for US productions?
Bulgaria offers competitive production cost advantages. The country is an EU member state with stable legal frameworks, predictable costs and the euro as its currency since January 2026. Contact us for a full budget comparison on your specific project.
Can Push Pull film outside Bulgaria?
Yes. Push Pull's production territory covers northern Greece - including the Halkidiki peninsula and Thessaloniki - and North Macedonia, with its alpine lakes, Ottoman bazaars and Skopje's dramatic urban contrast. Productions can combine multiple countries in a single shooting schedule, all managed by one team. One brief, three countries.
What film production incentives does Bulgaria offer?
Bulgaria offers a 25% cash rebate on eligible local production expenditures, administered by the Bulgarian National Film Centre (NFC). The rebate applies to feature films, high-end TV series, documentaries and animation. Qualifying spend includes crew salaries, equipment rentals, location fees and post-production costs. Minimum qualifying spend is EUR 250,000, with a maximum rebate of EUR 5 million per project. International productions apply through a registered Bulgarian service company - Push Pull Production is registered and handles the application process as part of the production service.
Which US production companies has Push Pull worked with?
Push Pull has worked with Golden LA and B-Reel Films, among others. We are experienced working with US production standards and the pace and expectations American directors and producers bring to set.
