Case Study

PEPE SERNA - LIFE IS ART. A CHICANO'S GROUNDBREAKING LIFE IN FILM

Christine G. Rodriguez is in her element whether in a corporate, nonprofit, or small- and medium-sized business environment. Her skills and experience in these diverse business environments are a unique mix of talent that greatly benefits her clients.

“Pepe Serna is the Greatest Character Actor You’ve Never Heard of in the History of Hollywood!” – Edward James Olmos, Actor, Producer, DirectoR

When I first started working with Pepe Serna on his autobiography, which is titled, Pepe Serna – Life is Art, the quote above is how Edward James Olmos described is long-time friend. In addition to being a celebrated actor, Pepe is an entrepreneur, artist, writer, producer, director, teacher, and motivational speaker. https://www.pepeserna.net/

Objective

The objective of this case study is to share my experience in having worked with Pepe Serna for almost 2 years capturing his story, editing his manuscript, and guiding him toward his goal of publishing his autobiography.

Background

I first met Pepe at a fundraising dinner for Nosotros – the oldest Latino arts advocacy organization in the United States – founded in 1970 by Ricardo Montalbán. Pepe and I were seated at the same table and, as we conversed through the evening, we discovered that we had a common interest – he was in need of a writer/editor to help him finalize his autobiography; and I, with my writing/editing background, was excited to help Pepe achieve this goal. So began our collaboration.

Pepe sent me his manuscript, which was 96 pages, typewritten in ALL CAPS, on BOTH sides of the paper. I almost went blind reading it! So, I decided the best course of action was to re-type the manuscript and edit it as I went along. Little did I know how many phone calls, texts, e-mails, in-person visits, and “Pepefied” jokes (or “bubbles” as he refers to them) were to follow during this assignment! Nearly 2 years and many, many versions later, Pepe and I edited the manuscript to the point where we both felt it needed other objective reviews. The final outcome was Pepe’s life story – Pepe Serna: Life is Art – A Chicano’s Groundbreaking Life in Film.

Methodology

• Sorted through and organized (and re-organized several times) the timeline of Pepe’s life story.
• Identified, gathered, and integrated visuals (photos, drawings, etc.) that helped tell Pepe’s story.
• Conducted several interviews with Pepe and other contributors to his life story.
• Summarized the interviews and wrote compelling narrative that enriched the existing manuscript and final book.

Conclusion

Pepe Serna collaborated with many other professional contacts and friends to finalize his book; and is marketing it, along with presenting his improv workshops. To this day, Pepe and I remain friends, and I still help him from time to time promote his book and documentary.

The book, “Pepe Serna: Life is Art – A Chicano’s Groundbreaking Life in Film” is available at: https://www.pepeserna.net/product/life-is-art

Testimonials:

Autographed Notes from Pepe Serna:

To Christine Garcia Rodriguez: Thank you for the 1-1/2 years we spent on the phone helping me get this story in order . We had a great time, and you are the best audience. Thanks again for all your direction. Forever Grateful, Tu Amigo, Pepe Serna 8-11-2023

To Mary Garcia: I know how proud you must be of Christine as well as your other children and grandchildren. She really made it possible for me to put this book in order. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I hope you enjoy my story. Tu Amigo, Pepe Serna