In the early days of Hollywood, when filmmaking was still a frontier craft and standards were nonexistent, two young men in a small Burbank garage began solving problems no one else had addressed. What started with sleeves rolled up and machines humming late into the night would go on to shape the modern film set.
Matthews Studio Equipment was born from necessity — and built on originality. In an era when grip hardware varied from studio to studio, Matthews established consistency where there was confusion. The company helped formalize the ANSI-recognized 5/8" “Baby” Pin and 1-1/8" “Junior” standards — benchmarks that remain foundational across the global production industry today.
Inventing the Modern Set
As filmmaking evolved and location work expanded, portability became critical. Matthews answered with the first folding-leg C-Stand — a simple yet transformative innovation that became the most widely used support tool in production history.
Not stopping there, Matthews developed and standardized the modern Combo Stand — a workhorse of professional lighting support that remains essential on sets worldwide.
Through collaboration with working filmmakers, Matthews introduced groundbreaking tools including the MAX Menace Arm, Matthellini Clamp, Tulip Crane, Cam Remote systems, Infinity Arm, and dozens more innovations born directly from real-world production challenges.
That spirit of invention earned Matthews multiple Scientific and Technical Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, along with recognition from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and two Presidential “E” Awards for excellence in U.S. exports.
Built in Burbank. Trusted Worldwide.
While many manufacturers moved production overseas, Matthews remained rooted in Burbank, California. Maintaining control of manufacturing has always meant maintaining control of quality.
Precision. Durability. Safety. These are not marketing words — they are principles forged into every weld, receiver, clamp, and stand that leaves the Matthews facility.
A Family Legacy of Craft
Founder Ed Phillips built Matthews on a simple belief: take care of the craft, and the craft will take care of you. His commitment to quality, safety, and service created not just a company, but a reputation.
That legacy continues today under the leadership of his son, Tyler Phillips. Growing up in the factory, working in the machine shop, shipping department, repair department, product development lead and on the sales floor, Tyler learned firsthand that great equipment is built by people who understand the pressures of production and for those that appreciate quality.
Today, as President & CEO, Tyler continues to guide Matthews with the same philosophy — innovate boldly, manufacture responsibly, and support the global production community with tools that perform when the shot matters most.
The Original Hollywood Grip Company
Nearly six decades later, Matthews Studio Equipment products are found on film sets, television productions, broadcast stages, photography studios, and theatrical installations across the world.
From garage beginnings to global standards, Matthews remains proud to serve the storytellers, technicians, and craftspeople who bring imagination to life.
