This year’s SXSW – the annual festival round-up hosted in Austin, TX, celebrating an amalgamation made up of the interactive, music, and film industries – will feature several films that MPS Studios has had the honor of providing various support for.

One of the ways MPS offers such support every year is through the Austin Film Society’s Grant fund. MPS provided $10,000 in goods and services to the 2017 grant, and it went to the film 1985, which was shot in Dallas and will premiere at SXSW this weekend. “The Austin Film Society is a strong industry leader and supporter of independent filmmakers. Like AFS, MPS has been a long-time champion of the Texas production industry and supporter of independent filmmakers,” said Meredith Stephens, Executive Vice President at MPS. Since 1996, the Austin Film Society has awarded $1.8 million to Texas filmmakers. Many of those projects have been heralded worldwide, receiving nods from Cannes, Tribeca, and even consideration from the Academy Awards.

“MPS Studios has championed the Texas production community and independent filmmakers for nearly 40 years. Partnering with AFS was a natural fit for us,” said Stephens. “The AFS Grant fund provides financial assistance to filmmakers at all stages of production, helping stories to be told and ultimately evaluating the visibility of the Texas production community.”

Other films that Austin Film Society supported and MPS touched that will be featured at SXSW include Friday’s Child, Don’t Leave Home, and Support the Girls – MPS’s fourth movie with DP Matthias Grunsky, BVK – which were all shot in Austin. Augustine Frizzell’s comedy Never Goin’ Back, which was shot in Dallas, is another such film. MPS also provided lenses, camera accessories, and additional support on two other films – Thunder Road, a short feature written and directed by Jim Cummings, and Blood Fest, from the creative minds at Rooster Teeth – which will also be premiering at SXSW.

“As the spotlight shines on these films and filmmakers, the visibility of our entire community increases added Stephens. “Our infrastructure – crew, vendors, talent – become stronger, and more production comes to Texas. MPS is proud to support the Austin Film Society Grant and to back the Texas production industry, embracing emerging filmmakers and those established. We are honored to be a part of this year’s SXSW through lending our support in as many ways as we possibly can.”

ABOUT MPS STUDIOS

For nearly 40 years, MPS Studios has provided the equipment and support services to production companies making movies, commercials, and television shows. A staff of highly specialized, factory-trained, and industry-savvy technicians provides world-class service to clients around the corner and around the globe. The company offers cameras, lighting/grip/electric, sound stages, and lighting repair. Inventory includes ARRI ALEXA Mini, ARRI ALEXA EV and Plus, RED Weapons and Dragons, hundreds of lenses, and thousands of filters. Lighting inventory includes ARRI M-series HMI’s, Kino Flo, Mole Richardson. Contact MPS Camera & Lighting Austin, MPS Studios Dallas, or MPS Denver to have a rental package customized for your next project. www.mpsfilm.com