Dolph Lundgren Filmed 'Command Performance' In Bulgaria, Despite Russian Inspiration

From moviesblog.mtv.com

By Brian Warmoth

Dolph Lundgren may have been inspired to write his new direct-to-DVD film, "Command Performace," by events in Moscow, but he had to move the production down to Bulgaria, given its modern terrorism subject matter.

The veteran action hero, who directed, stars and co-wrote (with Steve Latshaw) the movie, couldn't find a way to film it all in Russia, but he still wants to release it in the country where it all began.

"I got the idea from a concert that Madonna gave for [former] Russian President Vladimir Putin," Lundgren told MTV News. Like the pop star in "Command Performance," Madonna gave an exclusive concert in 2006 for Putin and his daughters.

In the film, however, Lundgren plays a drummer in the band who must take on a group of terrorists who invade the event and turn it into a hostage situation, taking the Premier and singer at gunpoint. Such a story proved much easier to complete in Bulgaria.

"They're very sensitive," Lundgren said, elaborating on the hurdles to completing the film in Russia. "There's a lot of red tape."

He remains confident, however, that following the U.S. release this week, Russia will find its way onto the calendar too.

"We're working on it," he assured.