Matthews Studio Equipment has won two Academy Awards it the technical achievement category for its innovations in the grip equipment industry. The company is a major manufacturer of specialized hardware for the film, television, photography and theatrical industries. The company manufactures grip equipment such as, Hollywood Heads and Boa Bags, as well as designer lighting equipment such as, cameo lights and cape lights. Matthews products are sold by dealers throughout the world. Founded in 1970, the company was made public in 1989. It was traded on the NASDAQ until 1998 when CEO Ed Phillips purchased the company back from its parent, Matthews Studio Equipment Group. Mattews Studio Equipment is located in Burbank, Calif.