Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542039
PROPERTYMASTERSGUILD.ORG 17 Lights, Camera, Taking Action: A Property Master Helps a Community Affected by the Wildfires W hen Chuck McSorley received the Humanitarian Award, presented by Eric Nebot of Hill Valley and Property Master Kurt Bruun, PMG at the 2025 Property Masters Guild Awards—an honor given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their community—the room erupted in applause for a man celebrated as much for his heart as for his craft. In a career marked by creativity and precision, McSorley has shown that leadership is not just about mastering a skill—it's about showing up for people. Over the years, Chuck has helped shape the look and feel of some of Hollywood's most memorable productions, including Edward Scissorhands, Unforgiven, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and Captain America: Brave New World. His connection to these stories goes beyond the set; while working on Captain America: Brave New World, he found a personal resonance with Anthony Mackie's portrayal—a hero without superpowers who relies on integrity, empathy, and courage. That version of By Randy Taylor, PMG heroism, grounded in everyday effort and compassion, deeply aligned with Chuck's values. "Captain America has been my favorite since I was a kid. The original character [Steve Rogers] had a serum that made him powerful, but Sam Wilson's Cap [played by Anthony Mackie] stands out because he's just a regular guy who chooses to fight the good fight." That belief—that anyone can make a difference—came into sharp focus during the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Drawing on the same ideals he admired in his heroes; Chuck faced his community's crisis head-on. In January, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire near Altadena scorched tens of thousands of acres, destroyed entire neighborhoods, and forced more than 200,000 residents to evacuate. Thousands of homes were lost, and the damage ranks among the most severe in California's history. When the flames subsided, Chuck quickly turned his focus to recovery. Working through IATSE Local 44 and the volunteer network Zello Support, he helped organize a large-scale relief effort that provided furniture, supplies, and essentials to displaced families. What began as a simple call for help evolved into a coordinated community effort that helped more than 1,000 households rebuild from the ashes. "We had studios donating furniture, Teamsters delivering these items to the affected families, and many other film professionals donating their time for the cause." Chuck's instinct to lead and uplift others is a defining part of his work within the industry. As a member of Local 44's Property Masters Steering Committee, he has mentored countless up-and-coming craftspeople—teaching them not just the technical side of the job, but the importance of collaboration, respect, and patience under pressure. Colleagues often describe him as calm, thoughtful, and always ready to lend a hand or share knowledge. "You pick up experiences and traits from everyone you work with, and if you're nice and approachable, it can have a ripple effect on those around you." To Chuck, the connection between his craft and his humanitarian work is simple: Both are about attention to people and detail. On a film set, he ensures every object tells a story. In his community, he looks for ways to help write new ones—for families starting over, colleagues finding their footing, or young artists finding direction. "This is the coolest job ever, but the camaraderie I experienced with my film family while helping our community was truly amazing." Having spent his career helping bring stories of courage to life, Chuck knows that real heroism doesn't require special effects or a costume. It lives in quiet, consistent acts of care— on set, in neighborhoods, and in the moments when no one is watching. Like the superheroes he helps bring to screen, McSorley's greatest strength has always been his humanity. H U M A N I T A R I A N A W A R D 2 0 2 5