The Genesis of Our Passion
OUR STORY: Pioneering Film Projection & AV Excellence in Boston Since 1977
In 1977, Boston's audiovisual landscape changed forever when Chapin Cutler and Larry Shaw founded Boston Light & Sound® (BL&S). What began as a specialized service providing high-quality projection for on-location film dailies quickly established a reputation for technical innovation and problem-solving. Our first project showcased this commitment to excellence—transforming a small motel room into a first-class screening facility that could be completely removed without damaging the space. After four days of meticulous work, installing custom projection systems in unconventional ways to overcome challenging acoustic and visual constraints, the film's producer declared it the best projection he'd ever experienced, even compared to Hollywood screening rooms.
This early success sparked Chapin and Larry's passion for pushing the boundaries of film presentation. As Boston's premier film and event AV specialists, they continually refined their craft, earning widespread recognition for their exceptional workmanship. Their expertise grew to serve diverse clients—from intimate independent cinemas to prestigious international film festivals and high-profile world premieres.
BL&S's unwavering commitment to quality remains at the core of its success today. Our team of projection experts and AV engineers embrace challenges that others consider impossible, often designing and fabricating specialized projection equipment in their on-site Boston machine shop to meet unique requirements.
In 1984, we brought our trademark precision and technical excellence to non-film sound engineering and audio installations. Today, BL&S's comprehensive audiovisual services extend to venues worldwide, delivering exceptional image clarity and immersive sound experiences. Our expert team has been involved with some of the country's most significant theater renovation projects, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge AV technology while preserving architectural integrity.
With over four decades of expertise in film projection, custom AV integration, and sound engineering, Boston Light & Sound has earned its position as one of the nation's leading professional AV firms. From vintage 35 and 70mm film presentations to state-of-the-art digital installations for corporate spaces and live events, we continue to set the standard for audiovisual excellence across New England and beyond.
Leading the Way in Technology Integration
Chapin Cutler
An avid movie buff, Chapin Cutler dreamed of bringing true craftsmanship to the world of film presentation. He trained as a projectionist while attending college at Worcester Tech. “I was hooked by the SHOW,” he says, “There’s something exhilarating about watching an audience react to a film and know that I made it happen for them.”
Chapin earned degrees from Emerson College and Wentworth Institute in film and related engineering fields. After a stint in film production and technical management at Emerson and WGBH-TV’s film department, he and his business partner Larry started Boston Light & Sound® (BL&S), which has been a passion ever since.
Larry Shaw
Larry has worked with projection technology since his childhood. His youthful endeavors included repairing 16mm equipment, where he quickly saw the potential to improve upon film presentation technology.
Larry’s mechanical inclinations have served him well at BL&S, where he often handcrafts projection equipment for unique film presentations. “It’s not my nature to just watch some machine operate. I want to know what’s inside that makes it tick...It’s great when people come in with bizarre can’t-do ideas. If others have said something can’t be done today, we’ll build what we need and get it done.”
Larry apprenticed as a projectionist and stagehand followed by several years of freelance work before the creation of BL&S.
Christina Gaita
Christina joined the BL&S team more than two decades ago after working in public relations. As a movie buff, she was thrilled to have the opportunity to work for a company that supports Hollywood movie premieres. Working her way up from administrative positions to management, Christina has worn many hats at BL&S. She counts herself lucky to work at a company that does incredible projects with interesting people.
When not watching movies, Christina enjoys traveling, tennis, animals, spending time with friends and family, and listening to her coworkers tell tales about working with movie stars.
Robert Podolak
Robert has overseen BL&S’s finances for nearly 20 years, providing managerial accounting, financial analysis, multi-state taxation, international business transactions, and cash flow management. In this role, he is responsible for developing and maintaining financial controls and budgets to help ensure the business is well run and efficient.
Robert previously worked in quality control and financial roles for a large insurance and investment management firm. He was drawn to BL&S to work for a smaller company that does fascinating and innovative work.
During his free time, he enjoys photography, reading, skiing, CrossFit, and road trips with his family. He is currently learning to surf!
Ryan Brush
Ryan is the go-to source to help BL&S customers turn their creative vision into memorable events. He started his career at a very young age as a DJ. While still in high school, he began work as a freelance concert production consultant, providing live audio for theatre productions and bands.
He joined the BL&S team in 2005, where his experience running crews and mixing audio served him well in understanding how to create a successful production. His affinity for production and event management helped him to expand the rental business considerably over the years, continuing to hone his craft. Ryan now manages the BL&S live events team, and is in charge of producing a wide range of high-profile events. In his free time, he enjoys photography and spending time with his family and his dog, Rosie.
Sean McKinnon
From his early time as an usher at a discount movie theatre, Sean fell in love with the projection booth, and decided to make the cinema industry his lifelong career. Over the years he’s worked as a projectionist, a theatre manager for high-profile Boston locales, a service technician for a national cinema service provider, and a technical director for a specialty venue in NYC. His skills in engineering and cinema design and consulting made him the ideal choice to lead BL&S’s Cinema department. Since 2016, Sean has overseen film projection, studio premieres and screenings, film festivals, including 70mm and 35mm engagements, as well as specialty projects. In his spare time, he likes to read, watch movies, and spend time with his wife and pets.
What Sets Us Apart
Craft
We elevate film projection and AV integration to an art form, meticulously creating immersive audiovisual experiences that honor both technical precision and creative vision.
Quality
As Boston's premier AV specialists, we deliver exceptional performance through rigorous standards and expert calibration across cinema, corporate, and live event environments.
Creative
We engineer innovative solutions for unique challenges, designing custom components and integration approaches when conventional methods fail to meet our exacting standards.
Future proof
Our systems evolve with technology, incorporating flexible architectures that adapt to emerging innovations while protecting your investment for years to come.
Seamless
From concept to completion, our Boston-based team provides comprehensive film projection, AV, and sound engineering services that work together flawlessly in any environment.