Perspective

By the time he is twenty-three, Rodriguez has written and directed several home movies, among which is his multiple award winning "Bedhead." He uses elementary equipment for so long that he becomes skilled at shooting fast and editing effectively;when he is admitted to the Film Department, thanks to his talent and not his grades, he is already a self-trained filmmaker. Although he acknowledges that the Film Department gave him access to expensive filmmaking equipment he would not have had otherwise, Rodriguez believes that professional training is not necessary to make a movie and he is a living proof.

With this book, Rodriguez wants to inspire people, especially young people like him, to follow their dreams. He wants them to know that the odds, such as, in his case, a humble background and little interest in academics, will not always play against them. He is convinced that believing...