LDS Motion Picture Studios

LDS Motion Picture Studios (MPS) is a film studio based in Provo, Utah, and is a directly-managed division of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

The MPS is part of the LDS Church's media production division, which includes producers, editors, animators, sound stages, editing bays, and a collection of 19th-century buildings on a backlot.Harris, Elizabeth A. "Lights. Camera. Prayer. A Mini-Hollywood Grows in Utah.", The New York Times, 13 October 2019. Retrieved on 30 March 2020.

History It began as the Brigham Young University (BYU) MPS in 1953, led by Wetzel Whitaker. LDS Church president David O. McKay worked with Ernest L. Wilkinson and others to open the studio, appointing Whitaker as head."History of Church-Produced Mormon Films", Church News, 6 October 2014. Retrieved on 30 March 2020. Originally the studio was located in a building called the Green Barn where BYU's student center is now located."Inside the LDS movie studio", The Universe, 4 April 2003. Retrieved on 30 March 2020.

During Whitaker's 22-year term at the MPS, a host of films were created. Some were privately funded, but most were created at the request LDS Church departments.

In 1991, the MPS separated from BYU and became a directly-operated function of LDS Church, as part of the church's Audio Visual Department."Church creates Audiovisual Department. BYU Motion Picture Studio joins new department and changes name to LDS Motion Picture Studio", Provo Herald, 8 October 2014. Retrieved on 30 March 2020.

MPS South Campus The MPS South Campus, in Elberta, Utah, was approved by the church's First Presidency in 2010 and construction began on a set of biblical Jerusalem. Elberta, population less than 1,000, was chosen because of the surrounding area's similarity to Jerusalem's geography—hills, plains, cedar trees, and a stream.Wrigley, Heather Whittle. "Jerusalem Movie Set Dedicated, Ready for Filming", Church News, 3 August 2011. Retrieved on 30 March 2020.

Lynn G. Robbins, executive director of the church's Media Services Department, was instrumental in the creation of the MPS South Campus.

In 2013, the LDS Church released several scenes of Jesus Christ's life that were filmed there as part of the New Testament film project.Goodell, Ashton and Green, Rebecca. "LDS film project wrapping up in Utah's Jerusalem", KSTU Fox 13 News, 22 May 2013. Retrieved on 30 March 2020.

In 2017, production started on a visual library producing a series of films from the Book of Mormon.Taylor, Scott. "LDS Church begins filming Book of Mormon videos on its 'Jerusalem set' in Utah County", Deseret News, 7 July 2017. Retrieved on 30 March 2020.

Fire at the MPS building In 2014, a morning fire, caused when an electrical box exploded on top of the studio, resulted in power outage and a fire.Hesterman, Billy. "Fire at LDS motion picture studio in Provo quickly extinguished", Provo Herald, 26 March 2014. Retrieved on 30 March 2020. Occupants evacuated the building, the Provo City Fire Department soon put out the fire, and no injuries were reported.

LDS Motion Picture Studios

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