Bulgaria’s entertainment industry is seeing a consolidation as several prominent production companies join forces. Media Z, formed by a merger of Halvadjian Brothers, Global Group, Mejdinna Stantsiya, and InterNetWork, signals a strategic shift toward digital content creation and a focus on capturing the attention of younger audiences. The newly formed entity reportedly aims to leverage television production expertise with the rapidly growing popularity of online video platforms[[1]]. Initial projects include a “Survivor”-style reality series and a slate of potential unscripted programs designed for direct-to-consumer engagement.
Bulgaria’s entertainment landscape is shifting with the launch of “Media Z,” a new production company formed by merging three existing powerhouses. The newly combined entity aims to focus exclusively on creating content for online platforms, signaling a significant investment in the future of digital entertainment.
The collaboration brings together brothers Magardich and Judy Halvadjian, along with partner Kiril Kirov-Kiko of “Global Group,” Ivan Hristov and Andrei Arnaudov of “Mejdinna Stantsiya,” and the younger duo of Pavel Kolev and Hristo Stefanov-Itsaka of InterNetWork. Kolev and Stefanov are also known as a musical act, but have gained prominence as the producers of the online reality show “The Influencers’ House,” which recently concluded its third season and even saw its finale air on BTV Action television.
The move echoes the early career trajectory of Hristov and Arnaudov, whose show “Clash” initially aired on cable before being picked up by BTV. “They are too popular online, where young people practically live. Even the language is different there. They have many more followers than we do, but we will help them with our experience and TV quality,” Hristov explained.
“Media Z” is expected to release its first YouTube reality series as early as next year. The team is currently developing “Zone X,” a survival-style show featuring 16 contestants stranded on an island with limited resources and competitive challenges, as described by Stefanov. The concept bears a strong resemblance to established television formats like “Survivor.”
Kolev and Stefanov, known to fans as Pavkata and Itsaka, hail from Pleven, the same city as the Halvadjian brothers. However, the connection goes beyond geography. The partnership began when Magardich Halvadjian recognized the younger producers’ potential, telling them, “You’re doing something big, and we know how to make it even bigger.”
The company’s name, “Media Z,” was chosen to appeal to Generation Z – those born after the mid-1990s – and the generations that follow. They already have ideas for eight reality programs, which will be tested with their online audience before a final selection is made. Potential shows include “The Proposal,” featuring love stories and engagements; “The Mother-in-Law,” exploring the dynamics between mothers and daughters-in-law; “Bridal Wars,” a competition between four brides vying for a televised wedding; “Rich and Poor,” where two families swap lifestyles; “Press or Leave,” a 24-hour endurance challenge with small monetary rewards; “Fan Battle,” a weekly soccer show; “Die Laughing,” a comedy competition; and “Barracks,” a reality show set in a military environment.
According to the producers, the formats are original, drawing inspiration from successful international shows. They assured that this collaboration will not prevent the Halvadjian brothers or Hristov and Arnaudov from continuing their work in television.
