Written by Shona Smith on Nov 26, 2019. Posted in Interviews

Spotlight on FOCUS Bar sponsor Nu Boyana Film Studios

We discuss Nu Boyana's increased footprint across Europe, and the unique services they provide with Yariv Lerner, CEO of Nu Boyana Film Studios and sponsors of the bar at FOCUS.

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Welcome back to FOCUS! As a returning exhibitor what are you hoping to get out of the event this year?

To increase our brand awareness and showcase that Nu Boyana is more than just a piece of real estate but a trusted partner in your production needs. We are able to operate outside the confines of Bulgaria and handle a lot of day to day logistics a production needs. We are big enough to cope but small enough to care. 

This year Nu Boyana are sponsoring the bar - what will you be promoting at the event?

The ease of production we offer throughout Europe. Having worked in Romania, Croatia, Dubai, Thailand and all across the globe we know what questions to ask and who to ask them from. 

Nu Boyana hosts a large range of productions, what brings productions to the studio?

Primarily its the infrastructure we offer. The studio itself is built primarily for filmmaking so a lot of the logistics are already tried and tested. Its not a warehouse that was converted but was built with filmmaking in mind. A lot of people come across it and are surprised by our utilisation and where things are but once working in the studio you get a sense of organised chaos. For example our lighting department is attached to the building itself and central to the entire studio. As a result the heaviest equipment is quickest to arrive. Another example is our utilization of the studio structure as the backlot. Most of our buildings are clad in some style or another that can be easily changed to represent a different part of the world. 

What foreign productions have you been working on recently?

This year we delivered Hellboy, Rambo, Angel has Fallen as well as two Italian movies and three TV shows. We have serviced Sony Netflix and the BBC as well as hundreds of commercials. 

You have a new postproduction facility in London, what services will it provide?

We have a visual effects company and a fully equipped post production facility that can handle all the production needs all the way through servicing. 

You also recently announced a new studio in Greece, what can you tell us about this venture?

In partnership with John Kalafatis who owns York Studios in New York the new facility in Thessoloniki will expand the production capabilities of Nu Boyana studios three hours away from the doorstep of our own studio. Plans for construction start on January 31st but we can and will accommodate productions directly in Greece during that time. 

As Nu Boyana increases presence across Europe, what insights can you give us to the changing world of international production?

More now than ever filmmakers have to be creative on how to make their content stand out. Its not just enough to have big stars, or a talented director, or a great story, or the right financing. The audience expects it all and you have to be creative in your ability to provide it. The streamers are waging war with the theatres and amongst themselves, the independent market is waging war with the studios. The viewing habits of our youth are changing and the platforms of content delivery are evolving day by day. You have to be flexible and fleet in order to compete. Nu Boyana offers a bullshit free approach to filmmaking as our philosophy is simple. We want you - the filmmaker to succeed.

To learn more about Nu Boyana Studios, attend a presentation on Wednesday 4th December from 2PM to 2:45 PM in Room E.

Register now for your free delegate badge to 70+ free sessions and meet with Nu Boyana Film Studios who are exhibiting at the Nu Boyana Film Bar Stand at FOCUS on the 3 & 4 December 2019.

Biography of Yariv Lerner

Yariv Lerner is the CEO of Nu Boyana Film Studios – one of the leading film production and post-production studios in Europe, based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Yariv Lerner’s producer credits include The Hitman’s Bodyguard, starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel Jackson, Salma Hayek, Gary Oldman, Bullet Head, starring Adrien Brody, John Malkovich, Antonio Banderas, and Hellboy, starring David Harbour, Milla Jovovich and Ian McShane. Lerner has also worked on various other Millennium Media productions among which blockbuster franchise hits like The Expendables and the Has Fallen series – London Has Fallen, Angel Has Fallen.

Born in Israel, Yariv Lerner became involved in the film industry in his early years. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Business Administration from the American Intercontinental University in London, UK. From 2002 to 2007 he had a successful career as a professional volleyball player and a coach.

Yariv is also the founder of Udaya Entertainment and producer of purpose-driven cinematic film for yoga, meditation, and wellbeing coaching, with an emphasis on integrated healing arts designed to condition users physically, mentally, and emotionally to achieve greater happiness, life-satisfaction, and wellness.