MIA DocPix on Natural Stone, Mankind Slated for StonExpo 2013 Debut

CLEVELAND – A new documentary from the Marble Institute of America that memorializes the global historic relationship between mankind and natural stone will make its premiere at next year’s StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas.

Underwritten by Orange, Calif.-based M S International (MSI), the documentary will trace the evolution of man 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.

The 35-40 minute documentary will be based on a creative concept by Manu Shah, founder of MSI.

“Natural stone has played an instrumental role in the advancement of civilization over thousands of years,” says Mr. Shah. “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.”

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.

Bill Levy Productions Inc. of Beachwood, Ohio – producer of MIA video programs for almost a decade –  will work with the MIA-MSI team to create the program.

“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, MIA executive director. “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.”

Production will begin with a series of video interviews this month at Coverings.

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