CLEVELAND, OH,
APRIL 9, 2012 — M S International (MSI), one of the industry’s largest natural
stone distribution companies, announced today that they will be working with
the Marble Institute of America to produce a major new documentary that
memorializes the global historic relationship between mankind and natural
stone. Funding for the documentary will be provided by MSI.
The 35-40
minute documentary will be based on a creative concept by Mr. Manu Shah,
founder and CEO of MSI. The documentary will trace the evolution of mankind and
stone from prehistoric times to today’s thriving use of natural stone as one of
the premier decorative building materials used in commercial buildings and
homes around the world.
Mr. Shah commented, "Natural stone has played an
instrumental role in the advancement of civilization over thousands of years.
In developing this documentary, we look forward to working with the MIA to
further expose both the historical significance of natural stone and the
continued impact the natural stone industry has on all of our
lives."
Bill Levy Productions, Inc. of Beachwood, OH, which has produced
MIA video programs for almost a decade, will work with the MIA-MSI team to create
the program. The documentary will premiere at StonExpo in Las Vegas, January
2013.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with Manu Shah and
the rest of the MSI team on this historic project,” said Gary Distelhorst,
executive director of MIA. “Our goal is to create a video documentary that is
entertaining, educational and compelling. In his outline proposing the
production, Mr. Shah has done a remarkable job of laying the groundwork for visualizing
the story.”
To develop the program, sound bites from a wide range of experts
will be blended with images to create a visual montage showing how stone
emerged from being a necessary part of prehistoric man’s tools of life, to his
major source of shelter.
Finally, the production will describe how natural
stone captured the imagination of the design community in the 1990’s, creating
a world-wide boom for stone usage in kitchens, baths and other parts of the
home, an explosion that has created a worldwide industry employing millions of
people and one of the few industries supporting rural regions of the
world.
Production will begin with a series of video interviews this
month at Coverings.
Founded in 1975, MSI is a leading distributor of flooring,
countertops,
wall
tile, landscaping
products.
Headquartered in Orange, California, MSI also maintains 20
distribution centers across the United States and Canada. MSI's product line
includes
granite,travertine,
slate,
limestone and other natural stone products imported from over 36 countries on
six continents. In addition, MSI carries an extensive offering of porcelain,
ceramic, glass and quartz products. The company imports over 38,000 containers
per year and maintains an inventory of over 125 million square feet. For more
information on MSI, visit www.msisurfaces.com