As the Co-Chairs of the Caucus of Producers, Writers & Directors and the President of the Caucus Foundation, Robert Papazian, James Hirsch and Sharon Arnett are extremely saddened to announce the passing of the legendary Chuck Fries.
Chuck was the heart and soul of the Caucus for over 45 years. His leadership and dedication kept our organization moving forward and supporting the creative talents in our industry.
Twenty years ago, he was instrumental in creating the Caucus Foundation which has now given over $2 million to help College and University students complete their work and help them begin their careers in film and television.
Chuck leaves behind a large and loving family and a legacy as the "Godfather" of the TV Movie and a creative producer and business executive responsible for hundreds of important and successful features and television programs. He has also been honored by many industry groups including the Producer's Guild, the TV Academy, and others, but it is our personal connection to Chuck and his guidance in our work at the Caucus that stands out to all of us in the organization at this sad moment. We wish his family our most heartfelt condolences. His passing will leave an enormous void in the entertainment industry and in the Caucus and the Caucus Foundation.
His commitment to helping the next generation is evident in the mission statement of the Foundation and his family requests that any donations in his honor be made to the Caucus Foundation at https://www.caucusfoundation.org/donate.html
STUDENT GRANT AWARDS DECEMBER 18
The Caucus Foundation Grant has meant the world to us! Both the director and I poured our hearts, souls, and bank accounts into Rust because we be-lieved in it. So to have those feelings validated through your generous award means a lot.
The Caucus Foundation's grant came at a critical time in the process of making my thesis film. Though I was far into the picture editing process, the grant allowed me to see the film through to completion by funding professional color grading and sound mixing. Without these funds, I would not have been able to finish this film properly. But now I have a film that I am proud to have represent me as a director. There is nothing more valuable than this to someone in the nas-cent stage of a new career. Thank you, Caucus Foundation.