And the exposure on those shows proved to be the best form of advertising. Word about him — and his affordable rates — quickly spread in production circles. Before he knew it, he got a call from the ABC production "Lost." Some construction workers on the set needed adjustments.

"A lot of things are just falling into my lap," Tsutsui said. "It's really awesome. I'm meeting all the right people and one thing leads to the next."

With the current spate of TV production on O'ahu — an unprecedented four network series filming here — small businesses are cashing in on the industry's resurgence in recent months.

Businesses ranging from catering companies to security services have supplemented their sales with side work provided by the industry.

"With all the current production activity, the local business community is quickly realizing how important the film industry is to their success, both in terms of the direct expenditures the various productions make but also the promotional opportunities that are out there," said Donne Dawson, Hawai'i state film commissioner.

Honolulu Electronics, a high-tech retailer and wholesaler in Kaka'ako, had to increase its stock of specialty batteries to accommodate the increase of productions in town.

"It's been a plus for us, as far as extra sales being generated," said president and second-generation owner Melvin Teruya.

These specialty batteries, like those used for TV cameras, are only a small part of the company's total sales. It also sells networking equipment for computers, such as cables and connectors, with contracts from the state, city and federal government comprising the bulk of its business.

Only less than 10 percent of its business comes from TV and film productions. Right now Honolulu Electronics supplies batteries for Fox's "North Shore," though Teruya expects to service the other three productions as well. The company has provided batteries for TV shows since "Hawaii Five-0."

"It definitely adds to (our business)," Teruya said. "We're glad to see them. They keep everything moving."

Other small businesses, such as catering companies, really benefit from consistent TV productions, which provide their cast and crew with food at least twice a day.

Moumen El-Hajji, owner of Beau Soleil Catering, had to forgo private catering to work on "North Shore" and "Lost." He feeds about 150 people a day, both breakfast and lunch, often working 16 hours a day.

"We're not doing as much private catering as we were before," El-Hajji said. "We have to pick and chose what events we cater. Obviously the longer (productions) are making it worthwhile."

He has been catering for industry-related productions since 1996, working on the film "A Very Brady Sequel." Since then he has also catered for the movie "Tears of the Sun," which filmed in Hawai'i for six months.

Though a substantial chunk of his business right now is TV production, El-Hajji said he doesn't worry about when the crews pack up and leave.

"We shift our focus," he said. "We make up (the difference) with private and corporate catering. Those are segments we still keep. That's an ongoing thing."

And it's not just businesses that work directly with productions that benefit. Shops and restaurants on the North Shore, for example, which have been the backdrop to many movies and TV shows, have seen boosts in sales during times of high production.

"We should also keep in mind that it's not just the direct impact to the city and the state but the multiplier effect that happens when those dollars are pumped through the economy, creating jobs and adding to the tax revenue base," Dawson said. "It's especially important to remember how good this industry is for the economy given the impact and in some cases, inconvenience, that a lot of production activity can have on the community."

Tsutsui doesn't mind that the once 12-minute drive from his Hale'iwa office to his home near Waimea Bay now takes 40 minutes when crews are in town.

"Overall, the productions have been great to bring money into the community," Tsutsui said. "It causes traffic every now and then, but it's not really a major deal ... I look at the big picture. This is good for the community ... I can't see anything bad about it."