The Brightest Minds
in East Coast AV
Advanced Visual Production has provided live event and studio production to Central Virginia and beyond since 1980. We specialize in creating custom designs for any live or virtual event. From concerts and fashion shows, to conferences, meetings and galas, we bring the edge you seek.
Our team is composed of innovative AV professionals who are passionate about creating incredible event experiences as well as producing exceptional in-house video and audio content.
Lee Dickinson
CEO • Technical Director
Nathan Firster
Equipment Manager
Chris Ratteree
Video Director
Ciro Mangieri
Production Director
Thomas Richardson
Producer
LEE DICKINSON
CEO + TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Lee started his career in entertainment technology at the age of 12, working in his middle school’s theatrical productions before going on to graduate from Virginia Tech with a degree in Theater Arts. While at VT, he studied design and technology, and conceived and taught classes in technical skills. After graduating, he began work as a project manager for various local production companies, with the majority of his work with AVP. He became a partner in 2008 and took over as sole owner in 2016.
A designer and technician, Lee enjoys finding creative applications for presentation technology, and has a particular interest in events which require tight integration of various media. He has developed expertise in the core production areas of sound, lighting, and video while also becoming familiar with the supporting areas of rigging, power distribution, networking, and show control.
A company owner and a father, Lee still finds time for boating and flying and enjoys DIY projects around the house, keeping up the carpentry skills learned as a set builder.
Our Team in Action
Curious about our process?
We love working with you to make your vision into reality. First we discuss your event, overall needs and concepts. Then we work with one of our production designers to draft a schematic of your event venue with the sound, lighting and video elements included in the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of events does AVP service?
We offer full-service production for live events including sound, lighting, and video. Galas, fundraisers, indoor and outdoor concerts, conferences, summits, award ceremonies, corporate events, private events, music festivals, live streaming, graduations, fashion shows, shareholder meetings, weddings, university functions, press conferences, political inaugurations, and more
How long as AVP been in business?
AVP started as a DJ company in 1981 by founder Gary Gauldin, but it’s current incarnation was developed when Co-Owner Lee Dickinson joined forces with Gary in 2001. The company has since developed and grown to what it is today, a full-service live event production and studio facility. Lee’s education (Virginia Tech) and fresh ideas have played a key role in quality control and the direction of the company since 2015.
Where do you service? How far do you travel?
AVP is based in Richmond, Virginia and works throughout the Commonwealth and the Mid-Atlantic region, with regular visits to New York, Florida and Wisconsin. Our customers often find our pricing competitive, even when substantial travel is involved.
How big is AVP?
Big enough to handle any event, yet small enough to give personal attention to every customer. We also have great relationships with many other production companies and have the opportunity to share their inventory to cover larger needs.
What are your Payment Terms?
We require a 50% deposit to reserve your gear and book your event on our calendar! Established clients are extended 30 day net terms. We accept most major Credit Cards, Checks, Cash, and ACH Wire Transfers. Email sales@avprva.com for more information regarding your organization’s payment policy, and how we might be able to work with your team.
Do you own all the equipment you use?
99% Yes…but thanks to symbiotic relationships with many other production companies we can get anything necessary to equip every event. Two of our best resources are located in the same warehouse complex as AVP making cross rentals a breeze when needed.
Are you hiring?
While we are not currently hiring full-time staff, we do maintain a roster of part-time and subcontracted team members. Please send your information to sales@avprva.com; Internship opportunities may be available for summer and semester work. Those with skills in the area(s) of audio engineering, lighting design, and videography are encouraged to submit their resumes!
How does your pricing work?
AVP offers both standardized and custom packages for it’s events and studio projects. We have pricing catalogs available for concerts, fights and studio work. Contact us at sales@avprva.com with your needs and we’ll put together a quote for you in 48 hours!
300+ Satisfied Customers
“The team was very nice and went the extra mile to accommodate our group. Would recommend this studio 100%!“
“Lee and his team were able to come in the 11th hour and rescue our event – all the while being polite, timely, professional, and cost effective. I would highly recommend AVP for any AV needs and I know when our festival comes to Richmond, Lee will be the first person I reach out to!”
“Lee and his team at AVP are some of the best in the business with whom we’ve dealt! Experienced, courteous, attentive, and professional on every front in working on the VAIS Leading Learning Conference! Cannot say enough thank yous to AVP for their great work on our event.“
Our Clients
