How Property Representation Works with Buttercup Venues
At Buttercup Venues, we connect property owners with film productions, photo shoots, brand activations, corporate events, pop-ups, and more. With over 75 years of combined experience, we’ve facilitated thousands of successful projects, working with high-profile clients in the entertainment and event industries. Our goal is to maximize your property’s income potential while ensuring it’s cared for and represented professionally.
Below, we detail our comprehensive property representation process, including key metrics, fees, and the benefits of partnering with Buttercup Venues.
Step 1: Initial Property Assessment
The process begins with gathering essential information about your property to understand its potential and marketability.
What We Need to Get Started
Photos and Property Details: Share images of your property (exterior and interior) and key details such as square footage, ceiling height, parking availability, and any unique features (e.g., natural light, raw space, or architectural design).
In-Person Visit: Once we review your property details, we schedule a visit to assess its suitability for film productions, events, and photo shoots. During this visit, we evaluate its potential to generate income and determine if it aligns with our brand and client needs.
Approval and Marketing Setup
If your property is approved, we move forward with:
Professional Photography: Our co-founder, Marc Royce, photographs your property at no cost to you. These professional images showcase your space’s unique features and marketability.
Listing and Marketing: Your property is added to our portfolio and actively marketed to our extensive network of production companies, event planners, and brands.
No upfront costs: We handle all photography, listing, and marketing expenses at no charge to you.
Step 2: Active Marketing to High-Profile Clients
We ensure your property reaches the right clients through targeted marketing efforts.
How We Market Your Property
1. Targeted Campaigns:
Email Outreach: We send targeted campaigns to our network of production companies, brands, and event planners.
SEO and Search Rankings: Buttercup Venues ranks in the top 3 in the US and Europe for searches related to event venues, activations, and corporate events, ensuring maximum exposure for your property.
Direct Client Outreach: We match your property with specific clients, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves.
2. Professional Representation:
We position your property as a top-tier filming and event location, highlighting its unique features and ensuring it stands out in a competitive market.
Step 3: Client Interest and Scouting
When a client expresses interest, the next step is arranging a scout visit, which is critical for securing bookings.
The Scouting Process
General Rates: Before scheduling a scout, we provide the client with general pricing based on the type of production or event.
Scout Visits: If the client approves the initial rates, we arrange a scout visit. These visits can include 1 person or a group of 10+, such as location managers, directors, and producers. A Buttercup Venues team member is always present to oversee the process.
Tech Scouts: If the property meets initial expectations, the client may return with different departments (e.g., lighting, sound, and production design) for a technical scout. During this phase, we gather detailed information about what they plan to do and where, and we bring this to you for approval.
Why Speed Matters
Responding to requests promptly—whether it’s approving a scout visit, granting property access, or accommodating weekend schedules—can make the difference in landing a project. Timeliness is key to securing bookings.
Step 4: Approval, Contracting, and Payment
Once the client confirms the property works for their needs, we finalize the booking process.
What Happens Next?
Rate Negotiation: With thousands of projects completed, we know how to propose competitive rates tailored to your property and the specific project.
Contracts: We use a standardized contract trusted by networks, streaming services, production companies, and event agencies.
Payment: All fees, including location fees, site rep fees, and additional charges for electricity or cleaning, are collected before the client’s first date of entry, ensuring everything is paid upfront.
Additional Fees
In addition to location fees, we bill the client for:
Electricity: Covers usage for equipment, HVAC, and lighting.
Cleaning Fees: Ensures professional cleaning post-project. Clients are required to leave no garbage or debris and often bring their own cleaning crew.
House Security (for events): Security personnel are provided to protect your property during events.
Step 5: On-Site Management During the Project
Every project is fully managed to protect your property and ensure a seamless experience for both you and the client.
Site Representatives
An experienced Buttercup Venues site rep is present during every project to:
Act as a liaison between the property owner and the client.
Monitor property usage and enforce rules.
Ensure everything is returned to its original condition.
Film-Friendly Philosophy
Being “film-friendly” makes your property more attractive to clients. While it’s important to protect your space, having too many restrictions—such as prohibiting furniture movement or wall painting—can deter bookings. Rest assured, we work with professional crews and are always on-site to ensure everything is restored to its original state.
Step 6: Post-Project Wrap-Up
After the project concludes, we conduct a final walkthrough to ensure your property is in the same condition as when it was delivered.
Security Deposit
A security deposit is held for every project and only returned after the final walkthrough confirms there are no damages. If repairs are needed, the deposit is used to cover costs.
Feedback and Next Steps
We provide feedback on the project and discuss opportunities for future bookings, ensuring your property remains in high demand.
Understanding the Metrics
Typical Project Durations
Film Shoots: Most commercial or TV shoots last approximately 3 days:
1 day of prep (12 hours).
1 day of shooting (14 hours).
1 day of post/load-out (12 hours).
Some shoots may be shorter or extend over multiple weeks.
Events: Generally no less than 3 days—1 day for prep, 1 day for the event, and 1 day for post. High-profile events can last weeks or months.
Buttercup’s Commission
Our commission is 30% of the gross location fee only.
Example:
Gross Location Fee: $50,000
Commission: $15,000
Net to Property Owner: $35,000
Pass-Through Charges
Direct to Property: Electricity and cleaning fees are paid directly to the property without any deduction for commission.
Direct to Buttercup: Site rep fees, property manager fees, and house security (for events) are billed to the client by Buttercup Venues.
Why Property Owners Choose Buttercup Venues
1. Experienced Leadership
With 75+ years of combined experience, our founders Bruce Kramer and Marc Royce bring unparalleled expertise to every project. Their deep industry knowledge ensures your property is matched with the right clients and maximizes its earning potential.
2. High-Quality Clients
We work exclusively with professional clients, including:
Production Companies: For TV, film, and commercial shoots.
Corporate Brands: Hosting activations, product launches, and pop-up stores.
No Private Parties: We do not book weddings or birthdays, ensuring your property is reserved for high-value projects.
3. Comprehensive Marketing
Buttercup Venues ranks in the top 3 in the US and Europe for event and production-related searches.
We actively market your property to the most relevant clients.
4. Protecting Your Property
Fully Insured Projects: All projects are insured, naming your property as the certificate holder and including additional insured parties as needed.
On-Site Oversight: A site rep or property manager is always present to monitor activity and enforce terms.
Conclusion: Partner With Buttercup Venues
At Buttercup Venues, we’re dedicated to helping property owners unlock the full earning potential of their spaces. By combining expert marketing, hands-on support, and decades of experience, we ensure your property is represented professionally and booked for high-value projects.
Ready to list your property? Contact us today to get started and join our growing network of property owners who trust Buttercup Venues to deliver exceptional results.
