Trying to Sell Ketchup in a Salsa Bottle

Abstract

Conceptualized as a comedy that would explore culturally specific experiences of three Latina characters, the screenplay Papi Chulo underwent a tumultuous development process before becoming what audiences know as Chasing Papi (2003). Midway through development, changes in studio management led to significant changes in their approach to the project. Rather than depict cultural nuances of the U.S. Latina/o experience, an unusually large number of writers transformed the script to appeal to a panethnic form of Latina/o identity and a broader audience. Marketed as “the first major studio comedy to reflect the Hispanic cultural experience in America,” the film’s credits include writer/producer Laura Angélica Simón, director Linda Mendoza, and associate producer Christy Haubegger. The film was a critical and financial disappointment, and this study illustrates the detrimental effects studio regime changes can have on the creative process, and the negative effects misunderstanding film authorship can have for Latina/os in the industry.