Fill The City FAQ
Fill The City FAQ: Brand Activations, Property Branding, Public Art
Short answer
Fill The City is a Los Angeles experiential marketing agency that turns empty space into demand for brands, developers, cities and agencies.
Brands: pop-ups and product launches
What is a brand activation? A physical, interactive brand moment, such as a pop-up, tour stop or installation, where people try the product or experience the brand.
What does a pop-up in Los Angeles cost? It depends mostly on the space, the length of stay and the build. See our guide to what pop-up space costs in Los Angeles.
Do you find the space? Yes. We source and compare venues, ask the right questions about storage, security, power and approvals, and negotiate on your behalf.
Do I need a permit? Sometimes. Private venues often handle approvals themselves, while street or public-space activations can need a city permit. See our permit guide.
Can you launch an international brand in the U.S.? Yes. See our guide to launching a brand in the U.S. through Los Angeles.
Do you build the activation too? Yes: concept, design, fabrication, permits and on-site operations.
Can I leave my setup outside overnight? Often yes, but venues differ. Some allow covered furniture to stay with overnight security, and some charge for onsite storage. Ask about both.
Do I have to hire overnight security? Not always. Some open-air venues don't require it but won't take responsibility for items left outside, so hiring security is usually wise.
Can I anchor or drill my build into the floor? Many venues don't allow anything that penetrates the floor. Plan on weights or sandbags to secure freestanding walls.
Can I use a tent for rain? Some venues allow a clear tent and others don't allow tenting at all. Confirm before you design.
What happens if I sell products on site? Some venues add a percentage-of-sales clause that applies only if you sell on site, and usually only above a set sales level. Ask how it works.
What fees are separate from the space rate? Commonly security, overnight storage, insurance, permits, and sometimes power or parking. Ask for every fee so you can compare quotes on an all-in basis.
How long are setup and teardown? Venues set their own windows. Some allow overnight load-in and require strike by a set morning time. Confirm the exact hours before you commit.
Developers: property branding and wayfinding
What is property branding? The identity of a building: name, look, voice and the materials that introduce it to tenants and visitors.
What is wayfinding? Signs and graphics that help people find their way through a property, from entrances and directories to suite and parking signs.
Do you handle sign placement? Yes. We plan where signs should go and what they should look like, and coordinate with the design team and fabricators.
When should we start? During design or early construction, before signs and leasing materials are produced.
Do you do murals and environmental graphics? Yes. Murals and large-scale graphics are part of our work for buildings and public spaces. See the property branding and wayfinding guide.
Cities: public art and placemaking
What is placemaking? Improving a public space so people want to spend time there, using art, activations, seating, lighting and events.
Do you manage public art projects? Yes. We coordinate artists, approvals, installation and community partners.
Can public art be temporary? Yes. Temporary installations are a way to test an idea and build support before a permanent project.
Who approves public art in Los Angeles? Approvals depend on the location and who owns it, so we confirm the right agencies and property owners first.
Agencies: Los Angeles activation support
Can you support our agency's client activation in Los Angeles? Yes. We act as your local partner for sourcing, permits, vendors, build and on-site operations.
Do you white-label? We can work behind your agency brand or alongside it, depending on the client.
What do you need to start? The concept or brief, dates, budget and any venue or brand requirements.
Do you work on out-of-town clients' Los Angeles launches? Yes. Local knowledge of venues, approvals and vendors is the main reason agencies bring us in.
Working with Fill The City
How do we start? Contact us with your goal, location, dates and budget range.
How early should we reach out? As early as you can. Good spaces and approvals take time, and event-season space is often held for early requests.
Where are you based? Los Angeles.