Charlotte Pence: A Career in Film, Writing, and the Story of Marlon Bundo
Charlotte Pence has cultivated a multifaceted professional identity as a filmmaker, writer, and author. While often recognized through her family connections, her individual trajectory is defined by a passion for storytelling, ranging from award-winning documentaries to children's literature.
Key Facts
- Film Achievement: Co-wrote and served as associate producer for the Emmy-winning documentary Fleeced: Speaking Out Against Senior Financial Abuse.
- Literary Work: Authored the children's book Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President.
- Education: Attended DePaul University and studied abroad at Oxford University.
- Professional Training: Participated in an agent training program at the United Talent Agency in 2017.
- Philanthropy: Directs proceeds from her book to art therapy programs and The A21 Campaign.
Professional Journey in Film and Media
Pence's interest in the creative side of production began during her college years. In 2013, she interned at WFYI, a public broadcasting station in central Indiana, where she worked within the television production department. This period marked a significant milestone in her early career when she served as the associate producer and co-writer of the documentary Fleeced: Speaking Out Against Senior Financial Abuse. The film, which examines the experiences of seniors targeted by financial predators, earned a 2014 Emmy award for the Lower Great Lakes region.
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Driven by a desire to adapt real-life stories, books, and scripts for the screen, Pence continued to work on various short films and documentaries. Following her graduation, she transitioned into the professional landscape of Washington, D.C., where she worked for a film production company and later entered an agent training program at the United Talent Agency in September 2017.
Literary Contributions and Writing
Beyond the screen, Pence is an active writer of poetry, fiction, and essays. Her published work spans several platforms, including:
- Thought Catalog (2014): An article discussing her religious beliefs.
- The DePaulia (2015): A column regarding her studies at Oxford University.
- Seven Voices and The Isis Magazine (2015): Poetry and fiction pieces published in the UK.
- Glamour: An essay reflecting on the lessons learned from her father.
Pence has expressed a long-term ambition to pursue a career in writing for both film and documentaries, as well as an interest in middle-grade fiction and non-fiction for adults.
The Phenomenon of Marlon Bundo
One of the most visible aspects of Pence's public profile is her rabbit, Marlon Bundo. Purchased for approximately $20 via Craigslist during her freshman year at DePaul University for a short film project, the rabbit was named after actor Marlon Brando. The name was inspired by a play on Brando's famous line from The Godfather, mirroring the seller's "make me an offer" response during the transaction.
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After her father's inauguration as Vice President, Pence created an Instagram account for Bundo. The rabbit's popularity, combined with her mother Karen's skills as a watercolor painter, led to the creation of a children's book. On March 19, 2018, Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President was released, detailing the rabbit's observations of the Vice President's daily routine.
Philanthropy and Parody
The proceeds from the book benefit art therapy programs and The A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking. The book also sparked a high-profile parody titled A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, written by Jill Twiss and published by Chronicle Books. While the parody served as a critique of Mike Pence's views on LGBT rights, Charlotte Pence responded positively, noting that the parody book also contributed to charities, specifically The Trevor Project and AIDS United.
| Feature | Original Book | Parody Book |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President | A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo |
| Author/Illustrator | Charlotte Pence / Karen Pence | Jill Twiss / Gerald Kelley |
| Estimated Sales | ~100,000 copies | ~400,000 copies |
| Amazon Rank | #4 Best-Seller | #1 Best-Seller |
| Beneficiaries | Art therapy, The A21 Campaign | The Trevor Project, AIDS United |
Political Perspectives and Public Life
During the 2016 campaign trail, Pence traveled across the U.S., including attending the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite her family ties, she has described her own political views as being "more of a moderate or independent," stating that she does not always agree with the policies of her father or Donald Trump. She attributes this independence of thought to the encouragement of her parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Marlon Bundo get his name?
The rabbit was named after Marlon Brando because the Craigslist seller's phrase "make me an offer" reminded Pence's friend of Brando's famous line in The Godfather, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."
What awards has Charlotte Pence won for her film work?
She won a 2014 Emmy award for the Lower Great Lakes region as the associate producer and co-writer of the documentary Fleeced: Speaking Out Against Senior Financial Abuse.
Which charities benefit from the Marlon Bundo book?
Proceeds from the original book go to art therapy programs and The A21 Campaign, which works to combat human trafficking.
What is Charlotte Pence's professional background in talent management?
In September 2017, she began an agent training program at the United Talent Agency.
How does Charlotte Pence describe her political views?
She describes herself as "more of a moderate or independent" and has noted that she does not always agree with the policies of her father or Donald Trump.