MPS Studios Dallas is returning as the underwriter for the Texas Filmmakers Award, which is presented annually at the Dallas International Film Festival. See festival schedule. This is the fourth year for the production facility to serve as title sponsor for the prize, which recognizes excellence in independent films that are shot primarily in Texas.

Previous winners have included 2010 winner ‘American: The Bill Hicks Story’, from filmmakers Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas, which hits U.S. theatres next month; and David Lowery’s ‘St. Nick’, a suspenseful coming-of-age story that made international headlines. ‘Cook County,’ a gritty coming-of-age tale directed by David Pomes, won in 2008.

2009 winner David Lowery used the award proceeds to finance his latest work, ‘Pioneer’, which premiered at Sundance and just won Best Narrative Short at SXSW. It will also screen at DIFF this year.

“We’re very proud to be a part of the festival, and we’re especially proud to have our name on the Texas Filmmakers Award,” said Mark Beasley, president of MPS Studios Dallas.

“Part of the award’s purpose is to promote and encourage the industry in Texas,” he said. “Directors like Richard Linklater and films like ‘True Grit’ are evidence of the amazing products that come out of Texas, and hint at the great promise of Texas filmmaking that is still yet to be fully realized.”

The award includes a prize of $20,000 of cash and in-kind support in the form of cameras, lights and other film equipment. “The fact that MPS equips and supports indie filmmakers so heartily is wonderful,” said David Lowery. “They have helped me at every stage of my career.”

In addition to presenting the award, MPS Studios will introduce several of the film screenings and conduct Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

“MPS Studios has been an integral partner of the DALLAS International Film Festival over the past 5 years,” said James Faust, the festival’s artistic director.

“Being able to offer Texas filmmakers the chance to win an award designated to Texas filmmakers, with such a significant prize attached, has been so important to us, “ he said. “Nurturing local talent is key to the festival, and thanks to MPS Studios, we can do this."

Nominees for the 2011 Texas Filmmakers Award are: ‘Five Time Champion’ (by Berndt Mader); ‘OK Buckaroos’ (by Patrick Tourville); ‘Legend of Hell’s Gate: An American Conspiracy’ (by Tanner Beard); ‘Rainbows End’ (by Eric Hueber); ‘Traveling’ (by Rachel Shepherd); ‘Wuss’ (by Clay Liford); and ‘Apart’ (by Aaron Rottinghaus).

The award will be announced on Fri., April 8.

About MPS:

MPS Studios Dallas is the leading production facility in the southwest U.S., offering more than 65,000 square feet of sound stages, a rental catalog of more than 1,000 items, and a post-production facility. Clients have included ‘Chase’, ‘Friday Night Lights’,‘Oprah’, ESPN, NFL Films, and ‘Spy Kids 4’. Additionally, MPS Studios has provided equipment for commercials for Nike, Hasbro, American Airlines, among other industry leaders, as well as a host of emerging independent film directors. Learn more.