Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Kramer.
Bruce, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Interview Response:
My passion for photography began in the early 70s in New York when my uncle, an aerospace engineer, gave me a Contax camera. Inspired by magazines like Life and National Geographic, I dreamed of becoming a photojournalist. After a brief stint at RISD, I landed a job at a Manhattan catalog studio, working with brands like Macy’s and Tiffany. This sparked my interest in fashion photography, and in the early 80s, I moved to Milan to pursue it professionally.
While I found moderate success, I became more interested in the business side of the industry. After relocating to LA, I saw a growing demand for rental studios and, over 3 years, opened 12 across LA, New York, and London, offering equipment rentals, locations, catering, props, and more. I also launched a talent agency representing photographers, which worked on projects like iPod campaigns, hundreds of album covers (U2, Jay-Z, Eminem), and movie posters (Mission Impossible, Twilight).
However, as technology advanced, photography became less specialized, and many of our talent struggled to adapt to digital. While the agency thrived for years, it wasn’t as elite as firms like Art + Commerce. Eventually, work slowed, and I made the tough decision to close it.
A chance reconnection with an old friend led me to a new opportunity. He and his partners owned architecturally unique properties in downtown LA, and I began working with their properties and those of their friends. This inspired the launch of Buttercup Venues (www.buttercupvenues.com), which provides curated locations for filming, events, and brand activations.
As the business grew quickly, I partnered with Marc Royce, an ex-photographer who worked with the world-famous Richard Avedon for 8 years. His experience, eye for quality over quantity, photographic talent (he shoots all the photos on our website), and calm demeanor proved invaluable to the company.
A pivot came as magazines became less relevant, and brands shifted to pop-ups, activations, and immersive experiences, driving demand for unique venues.
Buttercup Venues offers exclusive properties, catering to filmmakers, event producers, and brand teams, providing spaces for films, commercials, immersive experiences, and corporate events.
With decades of industry expertise, my team and I are proud to provide venues that inspire creativity and elevate projects.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Challenges like COVID-19, the recent Hollywood strikes, and competition from other cities and countries offering better incentives for productions have all created obstacles. While LA recently established a fund to address this, it’s been a tough adjustment. On top of that, wildfires, strident laws related to public assembly, and the rapid evolution of technology have made it difficult to navigate and flourish in this space.
That said, with major events coming to LA—the NBA All-Star Game (2026), the Super Bowl (2027), the World Cup (2026), and the Summer Olympics (2028)—we’re already partnering with brands and countries to establish home bases and create exceptional venues for these world-class events.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.? What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
My work is deeply influenced by my experiences living in Milan in the 80s, I developed a love for architecture, cars, design, fashion, furniture, food, and wine, which still inspires how I approach creative projects today. My photography career began with fashion, but my interest in aesthetics and storytelling grew beyond the lens to include curating spaces and experiences that stand out for their design and impact.
I’m most proud of how my personal passions—whether it’s my love of architecture, my eye for design, or my appreciation for craftsmanship—have shaped my work. My wife, an Executive Producer, keeps me grounded in the production world, while my friends, a mix of creatives and business minds, provide balance and inspiration. My kids are my bridge to fresh ideas and trends, always keeping me connected to what’s next.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and decades of experience across photography, fashion, and design. I’ve built my career around curating unique, inspiring environments that support creativity and storytelling, a skill honed by years of working with some of the most talented people in the industry. Creativity, relationships, and quality remain at the center of everything I do, and I’m proud of the reputation I’ve built along the way.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc.?
I wish I knew exactly where things are headed, but my current focus is on the world events coming to LA—like the NBA All-Star Game, World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympics—which will undoubtedly shape the demand for venues and production in the city. I believe immersive experiences will continue to grow as a key part of brand marketing, making unique venues an increasingly important area for growth.
AI is another major factor. The genie is out of the bottle, and while how it will affect filming and production is still uncertain, it’s clear the industry will look drastically different in the coming years. My hope is that LA doesn’t end up like Detroit did for the auto industry, losing its dominance to other regions.
Lastly, security is becoming a huge concern on every level, from events to productions, and I see this as a critical area of investment for the future. It’s an evolving landscape, and adaptability will be key to thriving in the years ahead.
Pricing:
- At Buttercup Venues, we believe in transparent pricing tailored to your vision. We don’t build from a rate card; we partner with you to create a custom quote based on the specific needs of your project. Your final quote is tailored to your project’s unique DNA, considering the chosen venue and season, the duration, and the distinct nature of your production—whether it’s a feature film, a commercial shoot, a public-facing brand activation, or an exclusive invite-only event—as each has a different impact on the property. Our goal is to provide a clear, comprehensive estimate that aligns with your budget and creative ambitions—no hidden fees, no surprises.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buttercupvenues.com
Image Credits
Macr Royce
