Exclusive interview with Tyler Phillips, CEO, Matthews Studio Equipment, USA, at Cabsat 2024.

TKT1957: What innovations and products does your company present at the exhibition?

Tyler Phillips: We’re here at CABSAT 2024, exhibiting for the first time. It’s been an incredible experience so far. We’re excited to present three new products at the show.

First, we have the Middle Max. Many of you are familiar with our Max product, which traditionally requires a large truck for transport. Over the years, we recognized the need for a more compact version that can fit into a Sprinter van. Thus, we developed the Middle Max. It’s designed like a hand truck for easy maneuverability and retains all the features and benefits of the Big Max but in a smaller form factor. The Middle Max extends 12 feet (3.2 meters) horizontally, 5 meters vertically, and can go 2 meters below grade. For example, here at the show, we’re using it on a balcony to lower a light 2 meters below the surface. It supports cameras, lights, and reflectors, and we anticipate users finding even more creative applications for it. This product addresses the growing trend of using vans instead of large box trucks for production, even in major markets like Los Angeles.

Next, we have the Grip Rail. This is a telescoping speed rail or grid pipe, designed to be the right size every time. It’s a versatile tool for bracing and hanging lights and cameras or building various structures. Unlike traditional pipes, which need to be cut to size, the Grip Rail is adjustable and locks into place. It’s designed to be used with a ratchet and set screws, fitting seamlessly with existing hardware. The Grip Rail comes in two lengths: 1 meter and 2 meters. This product is a game-changer for those who frequently use pipes on set.

Lastly, we’re showcasing the Air Climber, the world’s tallest stand. It extends up to 8 meters, although we have it set to 6 meters here due to exhibition rules. The Air Climber can support up to 90 kilograms, making it ideal for heavy equipment like remote heads and our accessory light mover, which is compatible with any cinema light and reflector. The light mover offers pan, tilt, and flood-spot capabilities for your HMI lights.

TKT1957: What are the main trends in broadcast, cinema, and Pro AV, in your opinion?

Tyler Phillips: Overall, we’re seeing a trend towards more eco-friendly and smaller production trucks, and our new products, including the Grip Rail and Middle Max, are designed to meet these needs.

CABSAT 2024, the leading event in the Middle East for content, broadcasting, satellites, media and entertainment, will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the global media, entertainment and technology industries on May 21–23, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE.

TKT1957 is the official media sponsor of the CABSAT exhibition, as well as the organizer of the Broadcasting / Cinema / Pro AV 2024 post-CABSAT and post-NAB conference, which will be held on June 25–26 in Istanbul, Turkey.

About Matthews Studio Equipment

Matthews Studio Equipment, established in 1968, is based in Burbank, California. The company specializes in manufacturing hardware for the film, television, photographic, and theatrical industries. Their product range includes stands, booms, arms, clamps, lighting control, wire diffusion, and various kits. Matthews is known for its focus on innovation and quality in the production tools sector.

About DWTC

A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region’s leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation, and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events.  As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region’s growth story with an estimated total economic output of AED 200 billion, attracting over 30 million business visitors to Dubai over the past four decades.

About Cabsat

With a history of over 29 years, Cabsat is the only specialised event that draws more than 14,000 business professionals from the MEASA region’s media, content, and digital industries. Over the years, the event has welcomed the highest number of regional attendees, including engineers, system integrators, and broadcasters from the content creation, broadcast, and satellite industries, as well as content buyers, sellers, producers, and distributors. In line with its vision to provide a platform for business, networking, and knowledge sharing for the MEASA region’s media markets, Cabsat continues to work with innovative content creators, producers, broadcast technology providers, and content delivery companies to identify traits of success that will fuel the growth of the industry.

About TKT1957

TKT1957 is the ultimate information platform for broadcast engineers, offering the latest news, cutting-edge technologies, birthdays, exclusive analysis, biographies, and much more to enhance your career and ensure success.

• TKT1957 magazine (since 1957) about television and radio broadcasting and film technologies
• International hybrid conferences Broadcasting / Cinema / Pro AV (from 2022)
• Visionaries online roundtables (from 2020)
• Broadcasting online roundtables (since 2018)
• News program for broadcasters 360 Seconds. Broadcast News & Commentary
• Internet news portals https://tkt1957.com/
• Social media: TKT1957 Youtube-channel, Linkedin Group TKT1957, Facebook Group TKT1957, TKT1957 on Instagram
• TKT International Awards (since 2011) – a prestigious technical award in the field of television and radio broadcasting and film industry.