ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO
© 2003 Dimension Films

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Once Upon a Time in Texas The Robert Rodriguez Interview

Robert Rodriguez doesn't play by Hollywood's rules, but everyone wants to work with him. He can take $30 million for his Desperado sequel Once Upon a Time In Mexico and still come in under budget. In fact, the third installment of his Spy Kids franchise shot in 3-D managed to make more money opening weekend than its competition, the more expensive Tomb Raider follow-up The Cradle of Life.

So how does he do it?

First of all, the 35-year old Rodriguez has built his Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Texas far from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Secondly, he shoots with those fancy high-def cameras that George Lucas employed for Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, reducing costs and ensuring his digital effects are far more effective than the nearest competitor. And finally, he generally serves as writer, director, producer, editor, visual effects supervisor, production designer and composer on his movies. Did I mention he shot, completed and released Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over in a little over six months?