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.
Accomplishments at Local 44
Raising Rates
Organized Property Masters to start raising kit rental rates by:
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Building a secure database to help share rates
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Running a Kit Rate Survey, and organized the data to share with members
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Conducting research across crafts and unions to discover strategies that have worked for others while remaining legally compliant
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Leading the organizing at the Steering Committee to standardize rates
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Creating handouts to empower members in their negotiations
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Leading a discussion to encourage Property Masters and empower them with tools to raise rates
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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:
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Participating in Property Master Town Halls
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Creating a survey for members to research their working experience
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Researching how Property Masters compare to their industry peers regarding rates, working conditions, and crew sizes
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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)
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Working with Chris Hansen and Emily Ferry to press the IA on the importance of Property Master initiatives
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Passed along all research, materials, and arguments to our craft negotiations team
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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:
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Streamlining elections to remove the arduous petition process
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Bartering a compromise to lower the quorum by half
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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:
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Crafting all communications to Property Masters and the general public to promote our craft
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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
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Organizing media promotion for our craft on Good Day LA, Variety, Deadline and BBC
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.
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
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:
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Working with Lauren Shell to establish monthly meet ups over coffee or drinks
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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:
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A database of vendors to replace Debbie's Book
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A rate sheet for members to share negotiations data
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A file database of industry forms, memos, info sheets, and example budgets/breakdowns
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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.
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.