Meet Dustin Serrano

We recently connected with Dustin Serrano and have shared our conversation below.

Dustin, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

In 2015, I became disabled, and it felt like my world had been turned upside down. I could no longer pursue the things I loved, like working on projects and film/television production. At the time, I felt like I had hit rock bottom. My career—something I had worked so hard to build—seemed out of reach, and I found myself stuck in a cycle of self-pity and depression.

That changed after a heartfelt conversation with my sister, Jackie. She told me she hated seeing me give up on everything since becoming disabled. She acknowledged my anger and disappointment and assured me that those feelings were valid. However, she also reminded me that they weren’t an excuse to stop trying. She pointed out that no one would feel sorry for me as much as I felt sorry for myself, and that attitude would only alienate others over time. Jackie encouraged me to continue doing the things I loved, even without immediate rewards, because passion and dedication eventually open doors.

Her words were a wake-up call, and I decided to take them to heart. Since then, I’ve been actively working on projects and collaborating with others, not for the money but for the love of the craft. Each project fills me with optimism, and being surrounded by passionate, positive people keeps me motivated. While I’m not exactly where I want to be yet, I’m proud of the work I’ve done as a volunteer to stay connected and keep my name out there.

Currently, I’m helping to produce two shows: A Captain’s Log and its spin-off, Icons: Between the Stars. We’re about to begin the fifth season of A Captain’s Log, and its success has paved the way for Icons. With the incredible energy of the team and the dedication behind the scenes, I truly believe these projects will achieve great things. I remain hopeful and excited for what the future holds.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Dustin Serrano. I graduated high school in 2003, but like many young people, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. I’d always been passionate about the television and film industry, but my family had different expectations for my career. For them, there were two viable paths: joining the military or working in the medical field.

The military wasn’t an option due to my weight at the time, and working in the medical field didn’t appeal to me either. I’m squeamish about blood and needles, so I knew a hospital environment wasn’t for me. Instead, I spent time exploring my options, attending community college and vocational school while figuring out what I truly wanted.

Eventually, I mustered the courage to tell my parents I wanted to pursue a career in entertainment, specifically in television and film. While they weren’t thrilled, they were relieved I’d made a decision. In 2007, I began taking college seriously, completed my prerequisites, and in 2012, I transferred to the University of California, Santa Cruz. I majored in Film and Digital Media, focusing on production. Initially, I thought I’d become a writer, but I discovered a passion for producing and directing. I enjoyed crafting stories and presenting them through my perspective. My time at UCSC was invaluable, and the experiences and connections I made there were unforgettable.

After graduating, I worked on various independent projects, including unpaid and paid gigs in film and photography. I also gained valuable experience working at a news station. However, in 2015, my life took a significant turn. I suffered a severe back injury when two discs slipped and pressed against my spine. This led to two back surgeries, the amputation of two toes, chronic pain, and permanent nerve damage in my feet.

Despite these challenges, I continued pursuing my passion. By 2021, my journey had been full of ups and downs. I worked on personal and collaborative projects, and in 2020, I faced the devastating loss of my father to COVID-19. His passing reinforced my determination to create a fulfilling life and ensure my mother doesn’t share the same uncertainties my father had before he passed.

In 2021, I met Bryan Kreutz, who introduced me to the idea of producing a Star Trek-themed show called A Captain’s Log. He envisioned interviews with actors, writers, producers, and others involved in the franchise. Bryan’s enthusiasm for the project was contagious, and he asked me to join as a producer. He was upfront about the challenges: the show wouldn’t generate revenue immediately, and the first season was a test run. I appreciated his honesty and agreed to come on board as a producer, contributing to directing, writing, and editing.

Today, I’m proud to say A Captain’s Log is entering its fifth season in 2025. The success of the show has led to a spin-off called Icons, which explores broader science fiction themes. I’m excited about what’s ahead, as we’re collaborating with talented people and exploring opportunities to elevate both shows to the next level.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When people tell me they want to enter the creative industry, the first thing I emphasize is the importance of resilience. This field is full of challenges, and you’ll hear “no” far more often than “yes.” Doubts are normal, but if constant rejection starts affecting your mental health, it may be worth reconsidering if this is the right path for you. The competition is fierce—thousands of creatives are vying for the same opportunities, and even great ideas can be outshined by others. However, it only takes one “yes” to change your life, which is why passion is essential. If you genuinely love what you’re doing, your dedication will shine through, and good things will come your way.

Another crucial skill is problem-solving. In this industry, things rarely go as planned, and you need to adapt quickly when issues arise. Always have backup plans (Plan B, C, D, and so on) because people will rely on you to make decisions that can make or break a project. Flexibility and quick thinking are key.

Work ethic is equally important. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Step up and take on tasks others might avoid—it shows initiative. People notice hard work, even if they don’t say it.

If you’re just starting out, take every opportunity that comes your way, even unpaid gigs. Early in your career, people won’t want to pay you without experience. Use these moments to prove yourself and build connections. Show that you’re reliable, hardworking, and eager to learn. In this industry, networking is everything, and a strong reputation can lead to bigger, paid opportunities.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Feeling overwhelmed is something we all experience, and it’s important to address it when it arises. Ignoring stress won’t make it disappear; it will simply linger in the back of your mind. It’s okay to take a step back, breathe deeply, and give yourself a moment to relax.

When you notice signs of overwhelm, try to pinpoint what’s causing the stress. Taking a break to exercise, like going to the gym, or confiding in a trusted friend can provide valuable perspective and relief. Often, stepping away from a challenging task allows you to return with a clearer, more focused mindset.

Avoid letting stress build up unchecked, as it can grow over time and lead to bigger challenges. Addressing it early helps you stay balanced and better equipped to handle what comes your way.

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