Theresa Corvino

for

Property Master Craft Representative

As a Property Master for the last decade, I cut my teeth in low budget features before joining the union through new media, the wild west of filmmaking, then graduated to higher budget film and television. That gave me a unique perspective into how studios are finding creative new ways to exploit crew, and the gymnastics we have to navigate to succeed. The union has been behind in addressing the shifting industry.

We deserve better. Fresh ideas and a willingness to try new strategies is needed for our craft to thrive. Over the past several years, I have volunteered at Local 44 through the bylaws committee, steering committee, and contract negotiations. At the PMG, I have been a driving force for propelling our craft forward (Awards Show, Prop Culture Magazine, IMDb improvements…) Scroll down for more on the work I have already achieved for our craft. I don’t want to spend three more years hearing excuses about roadblocks and delays that keep members from getting what they need. I am asking for your vote as Property Master Craft Representative to have the opportunity to work with you to find better ways forward.

View Accomplishments at Local 44

View Accomplishments at the PMG

View Future Goals for the Craft

Testimonials

“I have known Theresa Corvino for several years and believe her to be an ideal candidate. She
understands our craft as well as anyone with her vast experience at all levels of television and
film production. She knows what is like to squeeze value out of every dollar in the low-budget
world, and has experience in what it takes to bring props to screen in tentpole blockbusters.
This perspective is critical for our Craft Representative to ensure that all perspectives are
considered, and that we are all represented. Additionally, she can recognize where systems and
organizations need to be improved and has clear ideas on how to implement those changes.
While Local 44 is getting a lot right, it could be doing better for its Property Masters. We need a
strong voice at the table, perhaps now more than ever. Some of the old ways of doing things
no longer fits with the new realities of our global industry. We need smart, dedicated, and
passionate leadership to keep moving our craft forward in a way that puts the membership
first. Theresa Corvino is that person. Her insight, wisdom and desire to make Local 44 stronger
make her an ideal candidate, and I wholeheartedly support her in her bid to become our
Property Masters Craft Representative."

-Brad Elliott, Property Master, Local 44 and PMG

Accomplishments at Local 44

Raising Rates

Organized Property Masters to start raising kit rental rates by:

Building a secure database to help share rates
Running a Kit Rate Survey, and organized the data to share with members
Conducting research across crafts and unions to discover strategies that have worked for others while remaining legally compliant
Leading the organizing at the Steering Committee to standardize rates
Creating handouts to empower members in their negotiations
Leading a discussion to encourage Property Masters and empower them with tools to raise rates
We have seen early, verified success among PMs using this strategy to achieve higher kit rates on their shows

Contract Negotiations

Advocated for Property Masters during the 2023 Contract Negotiations by:

Participating in Property Master Town Halls
Creating a survey for members to research their working experience
Researching how Property Masters compare to their industry peers regarding rates, working conditions, and crew sizes
Writing craft-centric proposal requests, resulting in Property Masters having craft proposals for the first time in over 15 years (including rate increases commensurate with our increased job duties targeting pay parity with Art Directors and increases in minimum staffing)
Working with Chris Hansen and Emily Ferry to press the IA on the importance of Property Master initiatives
Passed along all research, materials, and arguments to our craft negotiations team
Collaborated with Michael Trudel to pass a motion requiring that all future negotiations involving Property Master issues would require the union to bring potential proposals for member review at a craft meeting

Constitution and Bylaws

Made improvements on the Constitution Committee for members including:

Streamlining elections to remove the arduous petition process
Bartering a compromise to lower the quorum by half
Ensuring that vacancies are filled by membership and that craft vacancies are decided by craft members

2022 Elections

Key organizer during the 2022 Local 44 Elections with the 44 Members Forum platform, allowing members to meet candidates, ask questions, and engage more actively during the election.

Accomplishments at Property Masters Guild

Getting the Word Out

Served as Marketing Director on the Board of Directors responsible for:

Crafting all communications to Property Masters and the general public to promote our craft
Rebuilding the website to provide more education about our craft to the public as well as create a hub of resources for members at work
Organizing media promotion for our craft on Good Day LA, Variety, Deadline and BBC

Award Show

Collaborated as a Committee Chair with Lauren Shell and Brad Elliott to envision and execute the first ever award show for Property Masters, bringing together our community, showing off their accomplishments, and bringing attention to our artistic contributions to the greater industry.

Prop Culture Magazine

Co-Editor with Scott Buckwald to create the first ever magazine to highlight the work of Property Masters, showcasing our artistic contributions to Production Designers, Producers, Studio Executives and the film community.

IMDb Relations

Screenshot 2025-01-29 at 9.30_edited.jpg

Collaborated with Hunter Nelson to advocate Property Master interests to IMDb to correct how Property Masters are credited.

We've achieved an official Property Master designation and are working with them to build our own department designation outside of the Art Department heading.

Comic Con

Collaborated in conjunction with Michael Trudel to establish a Property Master presence at LA Comic Con to promote our craft and its importance in pop culture to the public.

Community Building

Organized event opportunities to bring us together including:

Working with Lauren Shell to establish monthly meet ups over coffee or drinks
Working with Michael Trudel to plan the Liftgate Tailgate as a free community event for our craft to connect and have a family friendly summer event

Resources for Work

Built the website members portal into a robust resource including:

A database of vendors to replace Debbie's Book
A rate sheet for members to share negotiations data
A file database of industry forms, memos, info sheets, and example budgets/breakdowns
A quarterly newsletter to highlight timely resources and opportunities

Future Goals for Property Masters

Working Conditions

I will work hard to hear member issues and bring them to negotiations to improve Property Master specific working conditions including rates, rentals, minimum staffing, other important issues the craft recognizes.

Empowering Members

I will focus on creating resources and guides to empower Property Masters at work to understand their rights and resources in an easy-to-reference format.

Education

I will work with Local 44 to create a Property Master training program to help members build necessary skills including training in new technologies and programs beyond work, such as mental health and financial literacy.

Navigating the Future

I will work with Local 44 and industry leaders to navigate the changing landscape of the industry to create pathways to bring jobs back to LA, promote the excellence of Local 44 Property Masters to studios, and advocate to state and federal legislatures to encourage local tax incentives.

Building a New Local

I will work hard to modernize, streamline, and reorient Local 44's focus back on serving its members' needs.

Meeting Member Needs

I will be accessible to members one-on-one for direct communication, create regular feedback surveys, and foster an environment of collaboration. I want members to feel empowered to speak up and know I will hear them.