Project Gallery
Experience Custom Cinema Projection & Theater Sound Systems
Whether it’s archival film or cutting-edge digital, we bring technical excellence to every screening environment with specialized AV design & installation for independent theaters.
United Theatre
Summary
Reviving a Historic Venue with Modern AV Versatility
Originally opened in 1926 as a single-screen movie palace, the United Theatre in Westerly, RI was recently reimagined as a vibrant community arts hub—featuring live performances, visual arts, education programs, and a cutting-edge three-screen cinema.
To help bring the vision to life, R. Keough Construction partnered with Boston Light & Sound® (BL&S) and consulting firm Cavanaugh-Tocci for the design and integration of cinema and performance systems throughout the space.
Innovative Projection in a Boothless Design
The compact layout of the building left no room for traditional projection booths. Instead, BL&S installed 4K NEC laser projectors in overhead ceiling enclosures at the rear of each auditorium. These systems were equipped with remote control functionality—allowing staff to operate them via tablet or from a central control room. The chosen RGB laser light sources offer exceptional longevity, lasting up to 20 years without replacement.
Digital Cinema & Large-Format Film Screening Solutions
The installation included three full cinema systems, a black box theatre AV setup, and building-wide QSC Q-Sys Core 510 processors in a fully redundant configuration. Each auditorium was outfitted with Dolby IMS 3000 servers and QSC loudspeaker systems for pristine digital cinema playback.
The performance sound system featured Fulcrum Acoustics line arrays with custom rigging by Polar Focus, a Yamaha CL-3 digital console, and Shure ULX-D wireless mics. For alternative content, a Crestron DM system enabled video switching and distribution across the building. A new Dante audio-over-IP network allowed seamless audio routing throughout the facility, from lobby displays to stage monitors.
A Venue That Looks and Sounds as Good as It Performs
From picture quality to sound coverage, every detail of the installation was designed to deliver professional-grade performance across a wide range of programming.
Learn more about the project in this Fulcrum Acoustics case study.
Blown away by the quality
“Everyone has been blown away by the picture and sound quality.”
Explore Our Sophisticated Solutions
FilmScene
Summary
Blending Analog Tradition with Modern Cinema Design
In Iowa City, FilmScene’s new facility has quickly become a standout in the independent cinema world—celebrated for its architectural style, community-driven mission, and exceptional presentation standards. Boston Light & Sound® (BL&S) was selected to lead the technical design and AV integration for both of the venue’s theaters, bringing deep expertise in archival film, digital cinema, and high-performance sound.
Photo: David Greedy Photography – FilmScene exterior
Planning for Film and Flexibility
BL&S began consulting with FilmScene as early as 2016, working closely with the organization to define the technical vision for each auditorium. From seating layouts and screen masking to projection room design, every detail was developed with long-term versatility in mind.
To support archival programming, BL&S sourced and installed two Kinoton FP50 projectors—widely considered among the best 35mm machines available. These systems allow FilmScene to screen rare and vintage prints alongside contemporary digital content.
Sound and System Design That Prioritizes Quality
Rather than defaulting to industry-standard gear, BL&S designed a system around performance. Each auditorium features a high-quality QSC loudspeaker system, Dolby 7.1 audio, and a Q-Sys control network. Using predictive audio modeling software, the team fine-tuned speaker placement and acoustical treatments to ensure even sound coverage and excellent intelligibility throughout each room.
“We choose components based on performance—not what a catalog says should go into a cinema,” said BL&S President Chapin Cutler. “Our goal is to exceed expectations with every install.”
Working Within a Design Philosophy
FilmScene had a clear vision for the look and feel of its space. BL&S collaborated with architects and project teams to integrate equipment without compromising design intent—drawing on its experience working in non-traditional spaces to deliver top-tier presentation in a setting that’s anything but standard.
Creating a predictive model
The shapes and sizes of the cinemas were slightly unusual, so BL&S utilized software models to identify every aspect of the space, including sightlines to the screen and acoustical treatments. Using the theatre schematics as a baseline, BL&S created a predictive model of the sound system elements and adjusted them in order to obtain the highest quality audio. “It’s a technical dance,” explained Cutler. “Sometimes that requires adding or changing speakers, choosing different amplifiers, or changing bass enhancement to get a full, rich feeling.”
“FilmScene had a specific design style they wanted to work with. It was our responsibility to assist them in maintaining presentation quality within their philosophy of how they wanted the facility to look,” Cutler said. “With our history of working in film production and festivals, we have a lot of experience with non-traditional spaces to make them work at the highest presentation level. This proved essential in working on this project.”
A fast-track installation
In the end, there was a tight timeframe for getting the equipment installed and properly tuned. The BL&S team worked closely with other trades, installing the equipment in the theatre’s two cinemas. The installation commenced the day after Labor Day 2019, and was completed in time for the opening of the Downton Abbey movie on September 20. “It was a very successful opening,” said Cutler. “In the end, the success of the project was totally dependent upon the FilmScene staff and administration, the architect, trades, and engineers. In all projects we undertake, we are a part of a team that has a common goal; good communication is the key. But, in the end, it is the experience of the patrons that matters. And, that is what guides our philosophy in presentation quality.”
Fast-Track Installation and Opening Success
With a tight schedule and fixed deadline, BL&S installed and calibrated the full AV systems in both theaters in just a few weeks to complete work in time for the premiere of Downton Abbey in September 2019.
“In the end, it’s the experience of the patrons that matters,” Cutler said. “That’s what guides our philosophy on presentation quality.”
It is the experience of the patrons that matters
“We are focused on the quality of the results of each system, so we don’t necessarily choose equipment based on standard cinema technology. We choose components based upon performance, not based on what the catalog says should go into a cinema. ... In the end, it is the experience of the patrons that matters.”
