Statement from Troublemaker Studios Regarding Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellan

AUSTIN, Texas, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to recent inquiries about the production of "Grindhouse," a spokesperson for Troublemaker Studios, the production entity co-founded and co-run by Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellan, released the following statement:

"Elizabeth Avellan and Robert Rodriguez were separated long before the 'Grindhouse' production began. Their separation and subsequent divorce were very amicable and they opted to continue as planned, and to produce the film together -- a decision they informed Bob and Harvey Weinstein [co-chairmen of The Weinstein Company, distributor of 'Grindhouse'] about prior to the start of production on 'Grindhouse.' Robert and Elizabeth plan to produce 'Sin City 2' together -- with Robert directing -- for Dimension Films in the coming months. The hiatus during the production of 'Grindhouse' had nothing to do with Robert's personal life. On April 10th, 2006, after shooting for 5 weeks, Robert completed principal photography of the first phase of his segment of 'Grindhouse.' He took a hiatus from shooting to assemble the footage he had already shot and determine his next steps in the production, which is the same successful approach he utilized with 'Sin City' when he shot the film in two parts."