Matthews Studio Equipment

Matthews Studio Equipment

Matthews Studio Equipment is an American manufacturer and supplier of motion picture and television grip equipment noted for durable stands, clamps, and rigging systems. The company serves users across Hollywood sound stages, independent film sets, and television studios, supplying hardware used in productions associated with major studios and post-production facilities. Matthews products have been used alongside camera systems, lighting instruments, and motion control rigs on projects ranging from studio features to live broadcasts.

History

Matthews traces its origins to the growth of production activity in Hollywood, the expansion of facilities in Burbank, California, and the needs of crews working for companies like Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Studios, and Universal Pictures. Early demand paralleled advancements by manufacturers such as Arri, Panavision, and RED Digital Cinema, while the rise of television networks including NBC, CBS, and ABC increased on-set hardware requirements. The company matured as workflows evolved with innovations from Technicolor, effects houses like Industrial Light & Magic, and camera developments from Aaton and ARRI, positioning Matthews to supply grips for productions by studios including Sony Pictures Entertainment and independents collaborating with facilities like North Hollywood Studios.

Products and Innovations

Matthews produces an array of items used by grips and gaffers on sets involving lighting and camera work for productions by entities such as Netflix, HBO, Amazon Studios, and Disney. Typical products include stands used with lights from Mole-Richardson, clamps compatible with rigs from Kessler Crane, and dollies used in conjunction with cameras by Panavision and RED Digital Cinema. Innovations have addressed interoperability with systems from ARRI Rental, motion control solutions from Bolt Cinema, and modular accessories used on stages operated by companies like Goldcrest Post. Matthews hardware is frequently combined with grip trucks operated by vendors such as Panavision Grip Trucks and on-location services contracting to production companies like Lionsgate.

Manufacturing and Facilities

Manufacturing operations are located near major production hubs in Los Angeles County and have historically serviced clients in entertainment centers including Burbank, California and Culver City. The facilities support production timelines for projects by studios and post houses such as MGM Studios, Pixar, and boutique companies like Aardman Animations when working in the region. Matthews coordinates logistics with equipment houses servicing festivals like Sundance Film Festival and venues including TCL Chinese Theatre, ensuring compatibility with sound stages owned by companies such as Stage 32 and rental houses collaborating with unions like IATSE.

Industry Impact and Notable Projects

Matthews equipment has been credited on productions ranging from studio blockbusters released by Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures to television series airing on HBO and streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The hardware has supported visual effects shoots involving vendors such as Industrial Light & Magic and Weta Workshop, stunt rigs coordinated with companies like Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures, and live broadcasts produced by networks including NBC Sports and ESPN. Notable uses include support on location shoots in cities like New York City and Vancouver, British Columbia for filmmakers affiliated with collectives such as American Society of Cinematographers and schools like USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

As a privately held company operating within the supply chain serving major motion picture studios such as Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and Paramount Pictures, Matthews engages with distributors, equipment rental houses, and production service companies including Deluxe Entertainment Services Group and Technicolor Creative Studios. The company interacts with trade associations and unions like IATSE and participates in industry events attended by firms including NAB Show exhibitors and vendors partnered with Cine Gear Expo. Executive leadership and ownership align the company with procurement practices used by studios including Sony Pictures Entertainment and independent production firms.

Category:Film equipment manufacturers Category:Companies based in Burbank, California