Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542039
6 PROP CULTURE I WINTER 2025 6 PROP CULTURE I WINTER 2026 Is life in the biz getting you down? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed or not know where to turn? There's no need for you to suffer alone. Theresa and Scott want to help. They're right here for you in the pages of Prop Culture! If you have a problem about any aspect of working in the film business or as a Property Master, just write to us at the address below. Then remember to look here at "Dear Theresa and Scott" for your answer. Even if we don't get to your question, we bet you will always find something that can help! See ya next issue. Love, Theresa and Scott | Prop Culture editor@propculturemag.com Dear Theresa and Scott, I am a Property Assistant and proud PMG member working on a well-known television series, and I have a situation with my Property Master I could really use your advice on. Our show was recently nominated for submission to the MacGuffin Awards. I see this as a very distinguished recognition, and I think it would be a fantastic opportunity not just for my Property Master, but for our entire department to gain some well-deserved recognition. The problem is my Property not wrong. At the end of the day, the real reward is the reputation built with producers, directors, and crews who know the quality of their work. Also keep in mind that the concept of an award like the MacGuffin is still new. Most Property Masters have spent awards season watching their fellow crew members win Emmys and Oscars while they received nothing but their own personal sense of satisfaction for a job well done. So, you are up against a career-long foundation of personal pride. But you are not wrong either. Awards like the MacGuffins serve a bigger purpose than boosting one person's ego. They shine a light on the whole craft. When a Property Master is recognized, it brings attention to the long hours, the problem- solving, and the artistry that too often gets overlooked. It can also open doors for younger assistants like yourself and remind producers that the Property Department is not just support but a vital and creative part of storytelling. So how do you bridge the gap? Remind them it is not just about a single name on a plaque; it is about showing the industry and beyond what the Property Department contributes. Let them know that after more than a century of filmmaking, the Property Department is finally and rightfully being recognized for its achievements and contributions. If they still are not interested, let it be. What matters most is that your passion for the craft shines through. That kind of pride will carry you far, whether or not there is ever a MacGuffin on your shelf. Master has no interest. They say awards are pointless, and they do not need a trophy to tell them they did a good job. I respect that point of view, but I feel like this kind of visibility helps elevate the whole craft. Should I just let it go? Signed, Loud and Proud Dear Loud, This is really a clash between pride in the work itself and the value of outside recognition. Your Property Master is