Project Gallery
Behind the Screen: Large-Scale AV Production for Film Festivals
Explore the technical artistry and problem-solving behind film festival production that brings unforgettable cinema experiences to life.
TCM Classic Film Festival
Summary
Honoring Film History with a World-Class AV Experience
Since its inception in 2010, Boston Light & Sound has proudly served as the technical partner for the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, providing professional projection, sound and special effects for festival screenings celebrating iconic, rare, and restored films.
Preserving the Big Screen Experience
From silent epics like The Passion of Joan of Arc to 4K digital restorations of The Sound of Music and Funny Girl, the TCM Festival spans a wide spectrum of film history. The BL&S team ensures each screening—whether archival 35mm, Super or Ultra Panavision 70, Smell-o-Vision, Sensurround or digital—is presented with technical excellence across historic venues like Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Cinerama Dome and the Egyptian Theatre.
Custom AV Systems, Built for the Festival
To accommodate the wide variety of formats and events, BL&S designs and installs custom projection and audio systems for each venue as needed —often removing existing equipment and replacing it with specialized setups tailored for rare archival screenings. These include orchestral silent film presentations, live tapings, and special tribute reels that require seamless execution.
Protecting Priceless Film Prints
As experts in archival projection, BL&S also manages an off-site inspection facility to handle and prep more than 60 delicate film prints each year. Their specialized team ensures that every reel arrives ready for flawless presentation—and is carefully repacked for safe return after the event. All digital content is equally inspected and loaded for Festival presentation.
Ready for the Spotlight
Working within a tight 24-hour window before opening night, the BL&S team preps and tests equipment off-site, then installs and tunes everything for a smooth handoff to the festival’s on-site projectionists. A dedicated crew of projection, video, and audio professionals remains on-site throughout the five-day event.
“It’s all part of the challenge and the adventure of producing projects like this,” said Chapin Cutler, BL&S Principal.
2025 A Truly Historic Year
For the first time since the late 1950’s, BL&S prepared and presented two rare original VistaVision features on the giant Chinese Theatre screen. Provided by Paramount Pictures, Gunfight at the OK Corral and We’re No Angels were shown in the original production format, for the first time ever in a cinema setting. Two original prototype VistaVision projectors were retrofitted by BL&S technicians for the monumental showcasing of this very rare format.
A Trusted Partner, Year After Year
Praised by archivists, film fans, and TCM itself, BL&S continues to deliver exceptional technical support for one of the industry’s most beloved celebrations of classic cinema.
An ideal partner
“Boston Light & Sound was an ideal partner in realizing our goal to present the best possible projection. It was very important to our brand, for our audiences, and for our archival and studio partners, that presentation quality be top-notch. BL&S provided the direction and services that we needed to launch our first-ever film festival.”
Explore Our Sophisticated Solutions
Sundance Film Festival
Summary
Bringing Cinema-Quality Presentation to Independent Film’s Biggest Stage
For over 20 years, , Boston Light & Sound proudly partnered with the Sundance Film Festival, helping transform its temporary venues into world-class presentation spaces. From 16mm to 35mm and high-definition video, the BL&S team ensures every screening meets the high expectations of filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences alike.
A Philosophy of Permanent Quality—Applied Temporarily
When festival leadership first approached BL&S in 1997 to evaluate their projection and operational setup, it was clear that a new approach was needed. Drawing on decades of experience with events like Telluride, BL&S Principal Chapin Cutler applied a proven philosophy: treat temporary festival venues as if they were permanent cinemas.
In 1999, BL&S custom-built integrated projection and audio systems for each of Sundance’s 15 venues. These prewired subassemblies were fully tested in advance at the company’s Boston facility to allow for fast, flawless setup in Park City. The approach prioritized reliability, ease of transport, and consistent high-quality presentation—an innovation that became the foundation of the festival’s technical evolution.
Supporting Format Flexibility and High-Definition Video
As Sundance expanded its programming to include more high-definition video, BL&S responded by installing two to three standalone systems in each venue. This enabled projectionists to shift easily between 16mm, 35mm, and HD formats within minutes without disrupting the audience experience. BL&S also developed a custom AMX automation system, allowing a single operator to control all projection, lighting, and microphone systems from the booth.
Designing New Spaces for Big Premieres
When Sundance needed to turn a basketball court into a 700-seat premiere venue at the Park City Racquet Club, BL&S handled acoustic design, HVAC modifications, Dolby Digital sound integration, and projection layout to turn a challenging space into a showcase theater.
Built to Meet the Moment, Year After Year
Each festival brings new technical demands, and BL&S continues to evolve its systems and strategy to meet them. With decades of expertise and a deep appreciation for independent cinema, the team works behind the scenes to ensure that what audiences see and hear lives up to the moment on screen.
(Photos: Sundance Film Festival)
