Robert Rodriguez Reveals Why his New TV Network Will Disrupt Media

The logo for Robert Rodriguez’s new television network, El Rey.

Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez is a busy man these days, but he stopped by the Samsung Blogger Lounge in Austin at SXSW on Monday to talk about his new network, his passion for inspiring others and to offer some advice to young filmmakers.

Rodriguez said that some networks believe that the Latino demographic is served solely by Univision, the popular Spanish-language network. His new independent network will be launched by Comcast and will be called “El Rey” after a song made popular by legendary Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez. He said it will cater to fans of his most infamous work, and referred to it as “Desparado TV,” where much like his popular film was a success not because of its Latin roots but because it was good content.

A Texas native, Rodriguez also offered some simple advice to aspiring filmmakers, suggesting self-marketing is key. ” “You have to think bold,” he told the audience. “Show a scene, something you’ve shot.”

Watch the entire interview here: