The Report

In the City of Angels, there awaits a pristine white space where anything’s possible. It’s been home to stylish weddings, modern art exhibits, grandiose parties, red-carpet events, fashion shows, innovator showcases, and pretty much any kind of magazine, ad, or creative photoshoot you can imagine. It’s blessed in its space and generous with its abilities.

We’re of course talking about Smashbox Studios.

Hailed as a west coast gem—an impressive feat in a big state’s big city known for its populace of artists and those aiming to be—Smashbox Studios is the real deal. Taking 25 years of experience in pioneering photo, video, and studio technology and putting it to grand use, the partnership behind this iconic next-level space has rightfully led to a well-earned reputation as the premier creative destination and event location in the greater Los Angeles area.

Whether you’re going for a stunningly decorated picture-perfect special day or a radiant night of legendary fun and chic furnishings, this is the place to be.

Photos by Vitae Weddings | Styled by Jason Rhee of Rheefined Company | Hair & Make Up: MakeUp Therapy | Gown: JLM Couture | Tux: Friar Tux | Catering: Made by Meg | Florist: Fiore Designs | Rentals: Choura Event Rentals | Lighting: Lighten Up Inc.

The Scoop

A total of 25,000 square feet of conceptual canvas greets its visitors with a 2,150-square-foot reception. You’ll have more than enough breathing room regardless of which studio of the five studios you choose: Lightbox (4,250 sq. feet), Softbox (2,775 sq. feet), Blackbox (2,460 sq.feet), Bigbox (5,100 sq. feet) as well as the stylish reception area which weighs in right along side the infamous studios as a stand out gathering space. 

Equipment Rentals: You and your ranks can use camera, digital, lighting, and grip gear from killer brands, such as Canon, Nikon, Hasselblad, Mamiya, Sekonic, PhaseOne, and Briese. Before every shoot, the equipment is thoroughly tested, cleaned, and calibrated by Smashbox's expert team.

Production Supplies: Whether it's tents, chairs, walkie-talkies, or bull horns, the creative crew keeps a full line of whatever you need. Don't worry, as pickup and delivery is 24/7.

Creative Services: As can sometimes prove to be the case, you have a great idea but not the full resources you need. The Smashbox folks are more than aware of this dilemma. That's why they also work as a partner of creative services powerhouse Industrial Color Brands. Together, they offer up high-end studio services like still and video capture as well as post-production capabilities (digital retouching and CGI).

On-Site Café: The experienced team behind Smashbox knows how hard the locals work, so to keep nerves steady and thoughts fresh, there's a world-class café for you to lounge, chat, and ideate. Serving up the drinkable goods, from espressos and chai tea lattes to a variety of tea (whether it’s the wind-up of maté or the wind-down of chamomile), the lovely little spot serves Intelligentsia Coffee, which sources, develops, roasts and delivers premium fair-trade coffees. Plus, the quaint eatery does up salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, pastries, and Greek yogurt to help the long days breeze by.

Bonus

When you’re not on the clock, chill out and get educated at the Creative Library, where photo, design, and fashion books and magazines, featuring the work of iconic and emerging artists alike, wait for your inspired eyes and hands. The library also plays home to a permanent collection, along with a continual rotation of artwork, in collaboration with The Hype.

STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING

Smashbox Studios was completely renovated in 2014 by Gensler. The midcentury modern studios include mezzanines/VIP rooms, large windows and landscaped outdoor spaces. The raw blank canvas provides a perfect backdrop for any style. We recommend the following style tips for your event at this fashion forward venue: 

1. Industrial Ombre Black Cake. This cake by Hummingbird Bake Shop is edgy, while still being timeless and pretty. Photo: Lauren Gabrielle Photography  2. Black and Copper Foiled Invitation Suite: These invites designed by The Idea Emporium, are simple in their overall design, but the copper foiling fused with calligraphic touches add a fun punch that will set the tone for your gathering at Smashbox Studios. Photo: Britt Rene Studios  3. Hexahedron Concrete Planters: With all of the cement and raw walls of the venue space, these simple concrete planters will perfectly adorn your tables while highlighting the venue spaces. Plant succulents or simple arrangements and let your guests take them home as favors. 

Inside Scoop

It seems like anything and everything at Smashbox Studios is top of the line. From interiors and exteriors designed by leading architecture design firm Gensler to updated STC-rated soundstages and 9,000 amps of 3-phase power, you’re always getting the best. It's why pictorials for Entertainment Weekly, People, Wired, Time, Rolling Stone, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Vibe, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Esquire are shot in the same space that’s also hosted Red Bull's Holiday Carnival and Scion's Motivatour.

Highlight Reel

Around Town

Pacific Park:

The vibrant oceanfront amusement park is an infamous stable of the SoCal coastline, having been repeatedly featured in movies and TV shows. Situated right on the Santa Monica Pier, the carnival atmosphere offers classic fun to kids and adults alike.

Rooftop Bars:

Places like The Standard, Perch, and Hotel Shangri-La know how good the city looks from high up. Whether it’s radical views of the sunshine sprawl or the dazzling collection of twinkling lights, order drinks in the right spots.

Photo Credit: Andaz West Hollywood

Venice Beach Boardwalk:

The circus-like promenade, which heavily features artists, musicians, performers, and wildcards is a strange and/or soulful experience for anyone exploring it. An eclectic collection of shops, the sandy stretch is a colorful experience—to say the least—that embodies the weird of Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Eric Lassiter