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At a glance, the state flag of Texas and the topaz, the state’s official gemstone, probably don’t appear to have much to do with the business of making films. In fact, they’ve both been bestowed upon Meredith Stephens, vice-president of MPS.

In November 2011, Meredith was honored by Women in Film.Dallas with the Topaz Spirit Award, which is offered in tribute to women who have not only made significant contributions to the Dallas and Texas production communities, but who have also worked to develop other women’s careers in the industry.

The award is one of several presented at an annual cocktail reception that has previously honored Phylicia Rashad, Katherine Helmond, Marcia Gay Harden and a host of other high-profile members of the production community. Included in the awards ceremony was a short film featuring personal congratulations to Meredith from the Screen Actors Guild, the Austin Film Society, the producers of A&E’s Breakout Kings and other industry colleagues.

“Women in Film Dallas is proud to include Meredith as its worthy Topaz Spirit Award recipient,” said Stacy Cunningham, the organization’s president for 2011. “She puts herself in the arena, fighting valiantly time and again for Texas industry jobs. With intelligence, fortitude and grace, she has successfully led and supported the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, WIF.D and Leadership Texas, and has raised, through the legislative process, well over 20 million dollars for our industry.”

“She is a mentor, advocate, and comrade, and one of Texas’ most oustanding and heroic leaders in our community,” said Stacy.

Meredith’s award was celebrated again in April 2012, when Ryan Trimble, constituent relations liaison for State Representative Dan Branch, presented Meredith with an official resolution acknowledging the award and outlining Meredith’s achievements in the industry. She received the resolution, along with a state flag of Texas, at a surprise ceremony.

“Like many other women in our industry, my association with Women in Film.Dallas has been so very enriching, on both personal and professional levels,” said Meredith. “I was so humbled, yet so proud to be recognized by an organization that has meant so much to me.

“A few months later, I was beyond speechless to be recognized by Representative Branch’s office, who, as a champion of causes important to our industry, has been a true friend to the Texas film community,” she continued. “I will forever cherish both the work we’ve done together and these tangible acknowledgements.”

About Meredith

Meredith Stephens began her production career as a University of North Texas intern for a Dallas rental facility, a seven-year employment stint that culminated with her rise to a vice-presidency of the organization at the age of 25. She currently serves as Vice President of Business Development at MPS Studios Dallas & MPS Camera Austin.

Meredith is a founding member of the board of directors and former president of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, which created the state’s current incentive program encouraging film and television production in Texas. She’s also a former president of Women in Film.Dallas, where she helped support the group’s ongoing professional development programs, festivals, scholarship and philanthropy projects.

About MPS Studios

For nearly 40 years, MPS Studios has provided the equipment and support services to production companies making movies, commercials, and television. A staff of highly specialized, factory trained, and industry-savvy technicians provide world-class service to clients around the corner and around the globe. The company offers cameras, lighting/grip/electric, sound stages, and complete post services through deliverables. Contact MPS Camera & Lighting Austin or MPS Studios Dallas location to have a rental package or post service customized for your next project. www.mpsfilm.com

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