Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1531433
4 PROP CULTURE I WINTER 2025 LETTER FROM THE EDITORS W elcome to the inaugural issue of Prop Culture, the first magazine in the 100-year history of motion pictures and television dedicated entirely to props, the work of the Property Master, and the culture of working in this uniquely hands- on artistic craft. It's an interesting endeavor to start a new magazine when so many long-standing publications are abandoning print and going exclusively digital. However, the magic of props is getting to hold a piece of filmmaking in your hand, and a magazine about props absolutely needs to be something you can hold, dog-ear, tear pages from, or even collect. With more than 40 years as Property Masters between us, how could we possibly advocate for a digital- only magazine dedicated to a craft whose sole mission is to put the highest quality of what we do in someone's hand? Which brings us to those behind this landmark first issue: We are all Property Masters. Every article, interview, and editorial piece will come directly from a Property Master, the person responsible for envisioning, designing, sourcing, fabricating, and handling each and every prop from spoons to swords and phones to phasers. We are so excited to bring our world to you. Prop Culture is pop culture. We were all fans first and still are. This magazine is crafted for movie buffs looking to uncover the stories behind iconic props, film fans who scour internet auction sites for that screen-used treasure, aspiring filmmakers eager to learn the craft, or simply fans of anything film-related. Because that's what drives us, too. From the history of the most iconic props to the behind the scenes of your favorite shows, we will bring you exclusive interviews with Property Masters past and present, set visits, tours of the world's largest prop houses, and trips inside the heart of every movie set's treasure trove—the Property Trailer. We will explore how props are created, their essential contribution to storytelling, and the meticulous craftsmanship that brings them to life. We cannot wait to show you the culture of what it's like to work in props. We are so proud and excited to bring you into the world we so preciously share with a very select few. Prepare to have your horizons expanded as you get a peek behind the magician's curtain. To borrow the tagline from Christopher Nolan's The Prestige: "Are you watching closely?" Sincerely, Scott A. Buckwald, PMG and Theresa Corvino, PMG P R O P TA L K P O D C A S T Episodes drop every other Tuesday. Hosted by PMG Property Masters Chris Call and Mikey Trudel with occasional special guest hosts October 29: "The World's Oldest Prop House" A discussion with Earl Hays Press owners on the history behind the oldest prop house in the world, and what they have had to do to survive after all these years through various ups and downs in the film industry. October 15: "Propping in Chicago with FX's The Bear" We sit down with PMG Property Master Laura Roeper to discuss what it is like to work in props in Chicago. She also details her experience property mastering on a food-centric show like The Bear and the challenges that come with it. October 1: "Shows on Location" On this episode of Prop Talk, we discuss PMG Property Master Heidi Koleto's experience working back-to-back shows over the past four years in New England as a distance hire and figuring out how to gain the trust of the local crew. September 17: "Creating Props with Wētā Workshop" Danielle Prestidge and Lans Hansen of Wētā Workshop talk about their experiences working with Property Masters to help manufacture and build specialty props on countless movies around the world. September 3: "Having Trust in Your Property Master" PMG Property Master Lynda Reiss talks about her years of experience working on cult classic movies like American History X and American Beauty and how it helped her make the transition to being a director. August 20: "The MacGuffin Awards Mechanics" PMG Awards Committee members and Property Masters Lauren Shell, Theresa Corvino, and Brad Elliott talk about the first-ever awards show honoring Property Masters, The MacGuffin Awards, and everything it took to bring to life.