Gene Serdena SDSA

December 15th, 2021

PASSENGERS, Concourse Bar Set

In a Few Words...

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to illustrate at a professional level — like the folks who work at Marvel and Lucasfilm. I’m always blown away by their artistry.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I’ve had some lovely moments professionally of which I’m very satisfied, but helping create the SDSA Awards (both Film and Television) has been deeply rewarding. It’s an event that’s helped legitimize our organization on a new level, and has enormous growth potential

Which word or phrase do you use the most?

When we’re in the zone at work, virtually all sentences are preceded by, “Dude,…” Examples: “Dude, seriously?” “Dude, check this.” And variants such as, “Whatcha think, Dude?”

What do you look for on the Craft Services table?

I’m the guy that opens the refrigerator and stares inside with a kind of existential dread, wishing for something brilliant to emerge. The whole situation has flipped due to Covid, so no one seems to linger unnecessarily at crafty.

Please name a benefit of being an SDSA member.

I’d place myself squarely in the artist introvert lane, so until I joined the Board at SDSA, I was always a fringe player. When I was first approached to join the Board, I hesitated. A fellow member best put it (paraphrasing): Many of us have benefitted from the work of generations that came before us. In our successes (and failures) we’ve gained a wealth of knowledge that’s important to share with others. The Board members generously allowed me to circle the campfire and listen to their discussions, until I felt comfortable enough to contribute. The reception I’ve received has been so warm and appreciative. The SDSA and SDSA Business membership are really decent people who have an interest in promoting our craft and the businesses who support us. For folks who haven’t availed themselves of the opportunities of membership — because all our lives get busy, and the demands of our careers can be quite exhausting — if you can carve out some slice of time to contribute, the benefits of service are immeasurable, and you will meet some lovely people along the way. It’s a tough business, and we need as many friends and colleagues as we can get.

Partial Credits:

NOPE
THE PROM T
HE BOYS IN THE BAND
ANT-MAN & THE WASP
SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING
PASSENGERS
STEVE JOBS
HER
THE FIGHTER
ZOMBIELAND
TWILIGHT
LORD OF DOGTOWNS
I HEART HUCKABEES
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
HOLES
ADAPTATION
LAUREL CANYON
SCREAM 3
THREE KINGS
BEING JOHN MALKOVICH
2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY
TOMBSTONE
NORTHERN EXPOSURE

This Spotlight article is an excerpt from the latest BUZZ, the official SDSA Newsletter!