How Are Venue Costs Determined? The Buttercup Approach to Pricing
At Buttercup Venues, we believe that pricing should be as bespoke as your project. We don’t rely on a generic rate card—instead, we partner with you to create a custom quote that reflects the unique DNA of your production or event. Our approach is rooted in transparency, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the professional standards expected in Los Angeles’ competitive venue market.
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
We are not a one-size-fits-all, run-of-the-mill venue provider. You won’t find us offering convention centers or properties that have been used over and over again. Our focus is on properties in high-traffic areas—think DTLA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Culver City, and other core LA neighborhoods—that are unique, often never before used for events, and sometimes require out-of-the-box thinking to transform. This is precisely what makes events truly special and memorable .
Our curated portfolio includes:
Galleries: Minimalist, flexible, and prestigious—ideal for art-driven activations, screenings, or creative workshops.
Gyms: Modern, energetic environments for wellness brands, product demos, or sports-themed content.
Warehouses: Expansive, industrial-chic spaces with high ceilings and open layouts, perfect for immersive experiences and large-scale productions.
Furnished & Unfurnished Offices: From sleek executive suites to creative workspaces, these are turnkey environments for corporate shoots, pop-up workspaces, and business-centric events.
Lofts: Chic, open-plan spaces with abundant natural light and urban character, ideal for photo shoots, boutique activations, and editorial content.
A Few Exclusive Estates: For select projects, we offer access to a handful of private, architecturally significant estates—each chosen for its privacy, security, and ability to deliver a truly elevated experience. Unlike platforms with thousands of generic listings, our approach is highly selective, ensuring every estate in our portfolio meets the highest standards of exclusivity and impact.
We specialize in finding those distinctive spaces that offer a fresh canvas for your vision. Sometimes, these venues require creative solutions and a willingness to think beyond the turnkey—qualities that set our clients’ events apart from the rest.
What Factors Shape Your Quote?
Your final quote is tailored to your project’s specific requirements, including:
Venue Selection & Location: Each property—whether a gallery, gym, warehouse, loft, office, or exclusive estate—has its own pricing structure based on exclusivity, amenities, and technical capabilities.
Project Type & Impact: The nature of your project (feature film, commercial shoot, brand activation, or invite-only event) directly affects the rate, as each has a different operational footprint and impact on the property.
Duration: We book venues for full-day and multi-day use only, reflecting the needs of professional productions and events. Hourly rates are not available.
Seasonality: Peak periods (awards season, summer, major conventions) may influence availability and pricing.
Attendee, Cast & Crew Size: Larger groups require more space, amenities, and support, which can affect both cost and logistics.
Additional Services: Custom add-ons such as security, electric tie-ins, parking, and cleaning are quoted based on your needs.
Our goal is to provide a clear, comprehensive estimate that aligns with your budget and creative ambitions—no hidden fees, no surprises. This level of transparency is a key differentiator in the high-end LA venue market and is proven to build trust with B2B clients.
Pricing for Events & Brand Activations
Ideal for pop-ups, product launches, corporate events, and immersive brand experiences. All rates are based on a 14-hour event day and a 12-hour prep/post day.
Base Venue Fees
Event Days: $15,000 – $40,000 per day (14 hours)
Prep & Post Days: $7,500 – $20,000 per day (12 hours)
For events and activations lasting two weeks or more, we offer customized pricing packages.
Standard Event Fees
Site Representative: $1,000 per day (14 hours)
Property Manager: $750 per day (required at select venues)
Required House Security: $100 per hour, per guard (6-hour minimum; 2–6 guards typically required based on event details)
Base Electric: $250+ per day (covers standard household outlets and HVAC; mainframe tie-in not included)
Post-Event Cleaning: $750+ (final price depends on property and event impact)
Customizable Add-Ons & Services To fully support your event, we can coordinate:
Electric tie-in (to mainframe)
Labor & equipment for tie-in
Dumpster rental & removal
Parking & valet services
Pre-event/pre-shoot cleaning
On-site day porters
Multiple site visits or tech scouts
Security (event and overnight)
High-speed internet access
Exterior signage
All add-ons are quoted separately to ensure you only pay for what you need, in line with best practices for modular, client-centric pricing .
Pricing for Filming & Photo Shoots
Designed for commercials, television, feature films, and photo shoots. Rates are based on a 14-hour day for filming and a 12-hour day for all other needs.
Base Location Fees
Shoot Days: $10,000 – $30,000 per day (12–14 hours)
Prep & Post Days: $5,000 – $15,000 per day (10–12 hours)
Prelight & Rehearsal Days: $7,500 – $22,500 per day (10–12 hours)
Hold Days: $2,500 – $7,500 per day
For productions with a schedule of two weeks or more, we provide dedicated long-term pricing packages.
Standard Production Fees
Site Representative: $750 per day (12 hours; a second rep is required for cast & crews over 60 people)
Property Manager: $750 per 12-hour day (required at select venues)
Base Electric: $200+ per day (covers standard household outlets and HVAC; mainframe tie-in not included)
Post-Shoot Cleaning: $350+ (final price depends on property and shoot impact)
How We Present Your Estimate
No Hidden Fees: Every quote is itemized, so you know exactly what’s included and what’s optional.
Custom Packages: For long-term or large-scale projects, we offer tailored packages and negotiated rates.
Full Transparency: We provide a detailed breakdown of all costs, including required personnel, security, cleaning, and any add-ons, so you can plan with confidence.
Why Buttercup? The Value of Unique, Never-Before-Used Venues
Choosing a unique, never-before-used venue is more than a logistical decision—it’s a strategic move that can elevate your brand, create buzz, and deliver measurable ROI. Research shows that exclusive venues drive higher attendee engagement, amplify brand messaging, and generate organic social content that extends your event’s reach . In a city as competitive as Los Angeles, standing out means going beyond the conventional and embracing spaces that surprise, inspire, and leave a lasting impression .
Ready to Begin?
Share your project details with us for a custom, transparent estimate. Our team is ready to help you secure the perfect space for your next professional event or production in Los Angeles.
