About

The Right AV Production Company for Your Upcoming Event

Local Productions, LLC is an audiovisual production company that is proudly owned and operated by Nick Finlen. Under his leadership, we strive to help add some flair to your special event while inspiring confidence in planners and presenters alike.

How We Started

As an entrepreneur, Nick saw the need for a higher standard of service in the DJ and Audiovisual Industries. Wanting to put an emphasis on ensuring that clients and their guests can have a remarkable experience at their events, he decided to form Local Productions in 2010.

Today, Local Productions LLC has the capability to supply AV equipment as well as staff for events across the state of California. We have vetted a large network talented Event Professionals, including: DJs/MCs, Audiovisual Technicians, Stagehands, Camera Operators, and Drivers. As always Local Productions will work tirelessly at every event, big or small, to effectively and deliver results that exceed you and your guest's expectations.

Meet Some of The LP Crew

Nick started his career as a DJ for school affairs, weddings, and private events at the age of 14. In the years that passed, he developed audiovisual production skills by volunteering at The Coastal Repertory Theater and working at various Bay Area venues.

When he was 21, Nick began working at the Ritz-Carlton (Half Moon Bay, CA) as a member of their on-site audiovisual team. He took the Ritz-Carlton style and brand of customer service to heart—where “no” is not an option. For the next three years, he worked as both a technician and event operator for hundreds of shows—mostly for Fortune 500 companies. At the Ritz, Nick gained valuable skills in the following areas:

  • Live Sound/Video Mixing
  • Projection
  • Stage/Effect/Dance Lighting
  • String and Décor Lighting
  • Project and Event Management

Nick started learning the art of customer service well before working at the Ritz Carlton. At 16, he started working at Half Moon Bay Golf Links in the outside services department. Nick gained experience in every position he was assigned to. By the time he turned 17 and was still a junior at the Junipero Serra High School, he was promoted as a supervisor.

He worked his first large-scale event at HMB Golf Links during the 2008 Samsung World Championship Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournament, where he oversaw the driving range and practice facilities.

In 2009, Nick worked at Bel-Air Country Club for a semester while in Los Angeles, CA. There, he assisted celebrities and political figures on a daily basis that expected a very high level of service. He would often help club members by getting their cars washed or repaired as well as running personal errands for them while they golfed or dined.

It is Nick’s goal to make Local Productions, LLC embody the knowledge that he has gained over the years. He also takes measures to ensure that every staff member provides the type of service that leaves our clients in awe.

Nick has always made it a priority to exceed your expectations in every aspect of your event. You can count on him to go far above and beyond what the rest of the competition does.

Nick graduated from San Francisco State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management. Nick is also a Certified Technical Specialist (CTS) by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). Nick is a proud member of the Event Safety Alliance as well as the American Disc Jockey Association.

A D J A - American Disc Jockey Association

In 1973, Paul’s love of music began while spending a year with his grandparents in San Diego, CA. He had a little radio that he puts under his pillow. Paul would often fall asleep at night while listening to KCBQ—the “big hits” station back in the day. In the same year, he bought his first three albums, which included:

  • Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"
  • Edgar Winter's "They Only Come Out at Night"
  • Cheech & Chong's "Big Bambu”

Paul would soon move to Hawaii, where he would be exposed to an even wider variety of tunes.

Ever since Paul played with his first Close 'n Play phonograph and throughout his life at school, he was always known as “the media guy". After high school, he landed his first radio job at KUAI AM 720 in Eleele, Kauai, HI.

Sometimes, Paul still finds it hard to believe that it has been more than 30 years ago since he worked at that radio station. In those years, he has grabbed just about every job opportunity a small market radio station has to offer—weekender, afternoon drive, midday, and AM drive hosting as well as lots of production and voiceover gigs. Paul also handled sales and management tasks. He also worked as a/an:

  • Nightclub DJ
  • In-House Wedding DJ
  • Emcee at Multiple Big Island Hotels
  • Mobile DJ and Emcee
  • Audio Operator for Live Bands
  • Audiovisual Technician

With more than three decades in the entertainment industry and growing up in the 80s, Paul knows what great music is and how to have fun. He will work with you closely to help you build the perfect soundtrack for your special event. His low-key approach and technical know-how can help take the stress away from picking your songs.

Paul’s extensive radio career helps him ensure that your announcements will be heard and understood with full clarity. He can help you choose the perfect type of music for any event—from country to big band, smooth jazz, rock, disco, and current hits.

Tyler started attending Local Productions events in 2012. Due to his deep interest in sound and lighting systems, he would often chat with our founder before and after events. His passion for music and technology grew stronger after Local Productions, LLC loaned him a couple of JBL speakers and his first digital DJ controller. In that same year, Tyler became a part of the Local Productions Team, where he started to receive training and soon after began assisting with audiovisual production jobs at all types of events.

In 2014, Tyler started to work solo as a DJ and emcee at high school dances, university events, and private parties. Tyler also assists with DJing, audio mixing, and taking requests at weddings that Nick and/or Paul DJ.

Tyler’s love of music started at a young age in the Bay Area and being exposed to all kinds of genres. Although Tyler likes just about any genre, he has a special place in his heart for the following:

  • Hip-Hop
  • Bay Area Hip-Hop and Underground
  • Top 40
  • Electronic Dance Music

In addition to his roles at events, Tyler also helps with our inventory along with any shipping and receiving needs. He has taken it upon himself to help further make our business operations greener on multiple occasions by handling all of our recycling and composting needs and also by re-purposing old equipment.

Tyler is also a 2016 graduate of San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

Stephen has been an "AV Ninja" working behind the scenes since he was 19. Starting in the early 1990s while attending college at The University of South Carolina-Aiken Stephen began professional career setting up PA’s for shows, performing himself, and promoting various musical events. Stephen also spent some of this same time working at James Browns radio station “The Boss Radio” in Augusta. Before Graduation with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at USCA he joined the AV Department and was offered a full time job as a media resources specialist upon graduation.

Since then he’s held just about every position in the hospitality and corporate production world from operating equipment, sales, labor management, event management, stagehand, and producer to name a few. Stephen met Nick from Local Productions when LP donated reggae themed lighting for the album release party of Culture Canute & The Rockstone Players in 2011. They also worked many long hours together from 2013-2016 at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay where Stephen was the Director of Audiovisual Sales and Nick was a Senior AV Technician. In his off time you can find Stephen exploring the Bay Area on his mountain bike, surfing, or playing guitar with local musicians.

The Local Productions, LLC Difference

Our biggest advantage is that we genuinely love what we do!
Our team only uses premium equipment from trusted brands such as:

  • JBL Pro
  • Allen & Heath
  • Shure
  • Chauvet
  • Polycom
  • Eiki
  • Draper
  • Da-Lite
  • Wenger Staging
  • Apple
  • Panosonic
  • Roland

When doing business with us, you can rest assured that the venue of your next event will look its best while the music is at its finest.

Local Productions, LLC supports small businesses, American-made brands, and innovative event technology. We believe that a good company culture and giving our staff the right equipment to get the job done with ease is core to producing a successful events for many years to come.

Aside from serving as your DJs and audio provider, our team can accommodate any of your audiovisual needs. You can count on us to turn venues into a full general session or performance space.

We pride ourselves on making it to every job no matter the traffic or weather. Our AWD cargo vans and trailer are suited for off-road and winter travel.

We are ready for your off-grid event! Check out out our Event Services page for more info on mobile power, moon balloons and event lighting, staging, wireless audio & microphones, outdoor screens and TVs, and safety equipment such as sandbags and cable ramps. Nick from Local Productions has operated countless weddings and events on beaches, fields, golf courses, parks, barns, campgrounds, and other spaces not designed for events.

Local Productions, LLC has the right equipment, connections, and talent to produce your next event! You can be assured that your event will be executed on time and with professionalism. We are always happy to recommend additional vendors such as event planners, wedding planners, photographers, videographers, florists, officiants, and caterers whom we have enjoyed working with in the past.

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Local Productions, LLC’s Green Initiative

Our company observes environmentally friendly practices—98% of our lighting fixture inventory is composed of new-age and low-power consuming light-emitting diodes (LED). When possible we try to repurpose outdated equipment or donate it to a local community theater so that equipment can continue to be used.

We have invested heavily into rechargeable batteries with solar capabilities as well as fuel efficient gas generators and power inverters for our clients mobile power needs. We use fuel-efficient cargo vans whenever possible to transport our gear as opposed to larger box trucks. We also use eco-friendly cleaning products to sanitize and clean our equipment.

Supporting the Community

We enjoy giving back and supporting the local community. In Fall 2015, we began to work closely with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) at their Northern California Chapter events including their annual Winter San Francisco Breath of Life Gala and Great Strides. Local Productions, LLC is proud to offer DJ and Audiovisual Production Services at a highly discounted rate for this great cause. Please consider volunteering or attending a local Northern California CFF event in the future.

Organizations & Events we have supported through our Audiovisual & DJ Services free of charge or at a highly discounted rate:

  • Nonprofit Organization Meetings, Events, & Fundraisers
  • Public & Private School Auctions/Fundraisers for various Bay Area Schools
  • Celebrations of Life & Memorial Services
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Norther California Chapter Events - Fall 2015-Present
  • Coastal Repertory Theater - Stage Lighting, Light Effect Equipment, and Event Services Donated in 2017
  • J7 Studios - Lighting, Sound Equipment, and Event Services Donated in 2015
  • Cunha Middle School Youth Summit - DJ Services Donated 2014
  • DJ Services Donated for two Spring 2013 Fundraising Events benefiting Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

We are a small local business founded by Nick.

He will personally handle your special event from start to finish with attention to detail and diligence in execution. Event Planners can look forward to having only one point of contact for their audiovisual needs, freeing up time and energy to focus on the many other tasks that naturally come with organizing an event. If you would like to see examples of our work in person feel free to inquire with us about attending a public event or open house.