Has resigned from the DGA twice. The first time was so he could directed the non-guild Four Rooms (1995) with Quentin Tarantino and two other directors. The second time was in 2004 when he wanted to give Frank Miller a co-director credit for Sin City (2005). Other notable DGA "defectors" include his close friends George Lucas and Quentin Tarantino.
Was originally attached to direct The Mask of Zorro (1998), but the studio didn't agree with his much more violent and R-rated proposal.
Edited El Mariachi (1992) at a public access station in Austin, Texas. He edited from late at night to the early hours in the morning, because the time was cheaper. However the station would often close up, setting the alarm; this meant he would have to stay at his editing bench for eight hours at a time without restroom breaks.
He earned most of the $7000 it cost to make El Mariachi (1992) by subjecting himself to experimental drug studies. One of the experimental drugs that was tested on Rodriguez was a "speed healer." He has two divots in his arms as a result of the removed sample.
Is an accomplished chef.
Absolutely loathed the fact that he had to shoot his movies on film to enter them into film festivals. Soon after Bedhead (1991) and El Mariachi (1992) hit, many festivals began admitting video formats.
The last of his movies shot on film was Spy Kids (2001). During post-production of that film at Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas introduced him to 24p HD film-making and Rodriguez was immediately converted. He owns two Sony HDW-F900 cameras, the same model used by Lucas on the Star Wars prequels.
Was considered to direct X-Men (2000) but turned it down in favor of other projects.
Left the Writers' Guild of America (WGA) in late 2001, citing the organization had "too many rules and just take your money."
In April of 1996, headed the list of "25 Most Powerful Hispanics in Hollywood", published by Hispanic Magazine.
Received his honorary degree in communications, and received his actual degree from the University of Texas, College of Communications in 2009.
Set up a symphony orchestra in his garage to record the score for Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002).
He has directed one film that has been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: El Mariachi (1992).
In May 1999 he was honored with the Outstanding Young Texas Award by the Ex- Students' Association.
Ranked #80 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List. Had ranked #94 in 2002.
Associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).
Ranked #48 on Premiere's 2005 Power 50 List. Had ranked #61 in 2004.
Quotes[]
I always consider Salma [Hayek] for my projects, even for male roles.
Video technology puts filmmaking back in the hands of the people. That's how I learned how to make movies - making movies at home.
