began producing pieces in the courtyard of their home, but today they have a studio with two large workshops and operate a school for glassmakers, which trains about 50 people per year. One of their specialties is Tiffany-style lamps. Since at least the 1950s, San Miguel de Allende is a backdrop for the production of films and television programs. Both Mexican and foreign productions and advertisements have been filmed there. Projects that have been filmed here include Once Upon a Time in Mexico, a television biopic of the Francisco "Pancho" Villa, and The Mask of Zorro II. A group of entrepreneurs is working to increase the town's reputation as a film location, opening a privately financed studio complex called The Film Colony. Recently, U.S. television series Royal Pains, Top Chef and Million Dollar Listing have filmed episodes in the town. Twin towns – sister cities San Miguel de Allende is twinned with: Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy La Habra, California, United States Laredo, Texas, United States Redlands, California, United States Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States St. Augustine, Florida, United States Tyler, Texas, United States Ushuaia, Argentina West Palm Beach, Florida, United States Vail, Colorado, United States References Further reading Covert, Lisa Pinley (2010) "Colonial Outpost to Artists' Mecca: Conflict and Collaboration in the Development of San Miguel de Allende's Tourism Industry", in Holiday in Mexico: Critical Reflections on Tourism and Tourist Encounters Covert, Lisa Pinley (2017) San Miguel de Allende: Mexicans, Foreigners, and the Making of a World Heritage Site. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. Spiegel, Mamie (2005) San Miguel and the War of Independence External links Official website (in Spanish) American diaspora in Mexico Populated places in Guanajuato Populated places established in 1542 Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt World Heritage Sites in Mexico 1542 establishments in New Spain