In 1974, Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc. introduced the first three-legged adjustable C Stand®, now a registered trademark of the company. Early on, the company pioneered grip equipment that was simple, rugged, and with mechanical designs that have proven very reliable. Phillips has been the influence behind the majority of the innovative products brought to market in this industry over the past 30 years.
In 1989 the company was made public and traded its stock on the NASDAQ until 1998 when Phillips purchased the company back from the parent, Matthews Studio Equipment Group. MSE is now 100% privately owned by Phillips.
Prior to MSE Phillips worked on the design team for the original Cinemobile System. He started his first company, Waynco, Inc. at age 20. He designed and built the first commercially available, lightweight Arc Lights for the Motion Picture Industry.
Phillips has received two Technical Achievement Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and one from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He has served on several committees and held several offices with in the film community.
In 1998 Ed Phillips purchased the manufacturing division from Matthews Group. MSE, Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc. is now a private corporation. Ed Phillips is the President and CEO; the company now has more than 100 employees.
Technical Achievement Award (Citation) 1982: (Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc.) For the design and manufacture of the "Tulip Crane" for motion picture production. (w. Carlos de Mattos and Constant Tresfon & Adrian De Rooy of Egripment)
Scientific and Engineering Award (Plaque) 1985: (Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc.) For the development of the Cam-Remote for motion picture photography. (w. Carlos de Mattos; and Ernst Nettman of E. F. Nettman & Assoc. - invention)
2 Scientific/Technical Awards