Sacco and Vanzetti, Spartacus, Julius Caesar and La masseria delle allodole (The Lark Farm), are just some of the well-known movies that were filmed in Sofia’s Nu Boyana film studio by Bulgarian-Italian film company Nimar Studios.

Nimar Studios was founded in 2002 by 42-year-old Rome-born Gianfranco Pierantoni who comes across as someone who is accustomed to say what he thinks with no hesitation - but always with a smile.   

Gianfranco has been working in Bulgaria for seven years since he came to the country for the filming of Julius Caesar.

Recently he started living in both Sofia and Belgrade where he works with one of the large Serbian film studios. As a freelancer working in different places, this is not difficult for him, as it is not a problem to convince his Italian clients to come and work in Bulgaria and film in Bulgarian studios.

Quite the opposite, he says, because "filming in Bulgaria allows you to cut costs because expenses of filming in Italy are higher".

The only challenges that may occur are with tax authorities. "We can’t reimburse Italian producers’ VAT which could cause some problems and mistrust," he says.

"What is surprising about Bulgaria’s film industry is the gap between the great qualities of individuals and the shortcomings of the production process which must become more efficient," Gianfranco says.

And by this gap, he does not only mean the professionals involved in the industry but also the Bulgarian audience who is "very well prepared on a cultural level, knows cinema, and knows how to appreciate a good film".

"Bear in mind that most of the films I’ve produced here for the Italian market are probably better known by Bulgarians," he says with a smile.

What do you think about the film industry in Bulgaria?
It lacks enough financing and without the support of business, it would have been difficult making good films here.

What about Bulgarian actors?
They are great, very well prepared and professional, but in order for people to see their full potential, Bulgaria’s cinema industry overall must be at a higher level.    

And about Bulgaria?
I can tell many stories about the country. Fortunately right now the world has no stereotype about Bulgarian actors, which makes it possible, with a bit of imagination, to have them play characters suitable for every film.