A  whole crew of Americans, dotted with the occasional Italian and Brazilian, crossed into the land of Eastern European filmmaking for the sole purpose of producing a Hollywood film in the high mountains and majestic scenery of Bulgaria. However, they all took out of it an unexpected and unforgettable adventure. Working with a Bulgarian production crew was an experience highly valued by the producer, Roee Peled, as well as the rest of the American crew, whose 30-days spent in this country became a memorable mission that created unanticipated lasting friendships. "We ended up with a wonderful picture, a great product, which was a result of the human element," said Roee, whose filmography includes films such as Blade, Biker Boyz, and Kicking and Screaming, as well as TV series such as See Arnold Run and Medical Investigation.

But how does a film being distributed by 20th Century Fox end up being shot in a country that most Americans don't even know exists? Back in late July of 2005, Roee toured Eastern Europe for the first time after he and his colleagues researched the geography of North Korea. This is the implied setting of the film Land of the Morning Calm. The film's action will take place in the mountains of North Korea, which are in actuality the Stara Planina (Old Mountain Range) that runs parallel to the Romanian border in northern Bulgaria. Oddly enough, the Hollywood team discovered that Bulgaria is amazingly similar to North Korea in its scenery, fauna and flora, as are Ukraine and Romania. Also similar is Bulgaria's global location between the 40th and the 42nd parallel or latitude, though it does not extend as far south as North Korea's infamous boundary with South Korea at the 38th parallel.

While scouting for sites and areas fitting to their movie, the team began in Bulgaria but travelled north to Ukraine. Though Bulgaria was impressive, Roee admits he was "totally blown away by the scenery in Ukraine, especially in Yalta." However there was one thing that made him feel that Bulgaria was the place for their film to be made; it was the place he felt most comfortable. "They follow the American system and they speak the `film language', which are two basic standards for the movie industry."  He confesses to being absolutely confused with the "Bulgarian wiggle", the notorious habit of shaking the head from side to side when saying yes and nodding it up and down for no, opposite body language for Westerners. He says it made for a bit of miscommunication a few times and became the only real language barrier. Overall, he says the Bulgarians "came through", and he would feel comfortable recommending Bulgaria and its people to others in the film industry. He would also like to return in order to shoot another film here.

At present, he feels that "Ukraine is an emerging attraction to filmmakers", whereas Bulgaria has remained a relatively well-kept secret. There are problems in this country, as there are everywhere, but with production services companies like B.U.F.O. (Bulgarian Unified Film Organisation), which have continuously delivered productions that are up to Western standards but at a lower cost, Roee said he was willing to compromise the ideal settings in Ukraine for a higher comfort level. Another added and unexpected bonus to shooting here was their ability to recruit Koreans living in Bulgaria to be in the film, instead of having to "import" them from South Korea for the shoot. Even some of the old houses in the village, everything from the chickens to the donkeys, were actually quite parallel to North Korea's scenery.

In the end, after 30 days of shooting throughout Bulgaria and working with a mix of American and Bulgarian crew, Roee feels confident in saying that, "the people are wonderful. The crew is great, very professional, definitely `on par' with other parts of the world. They're just working on different standards, though they're willing to adjust to your needs." He gave the example of a scene where a wall is blown up and an actor is supposed to fly through it.  There are so many different departments involved: art, special effects, lighting, stunt work. It all needs a great deal of co-ordination and preparedness for surprises. "The American have the best model for that system, and the Bulgarians are able to conform to it."

With an international crew of Americans, Bulgarians, Italians, Brazilians, and others, Roee says, "They are world class, enthusiastic; they have the ability, and I would take them anywhere around the world to make a movie." In one month of filming, they not only have "a wonderful picture and product", but Roee feels it is a direct result of the interaction between people. He's honoured that the Bulgarians took part in the production of the film and participated so earnestly. "They showed up, they were dependable and trustworthy."

As a site for filmmaking, Roee feels Bulgaria is a "new and emerging entity, thanks to companies that have been trained to US and EU standards. He believes "it could easily be the production centre of Eastern Europe. It has more to offer on other levels, like the human element." He is rather disappointed about talk of a new ordinance to limit or even eliminate filming in Sofia's centre. This would really put a damper on the spirit of filming in this amazing city. Granted, the countryside is spectacular and suited the production of Land of the Morning Calm perfectly, but certain films rely on the uniqueness and versatility of Bulgaria's capital city to play its own special role in their films.  If the Government cannot realise the economic and cultural importance of allowing filming in the country, they could miss out on great opportunities in the future, like a return trip from Roee and his crew.