“A famous filmmaker once said you can learn everything you need to know about film in a week… he was being generous — you can learn it in 10 minutes.” — Robert Rodriguez

I want to introduce you to self-made movie maestro Robert Rodriguez. If you are an independent filmmaker you should already know who this guy is… but if not — then Rodriguez is your new best friend!

Director of movies like Sin City, Once Upon A Time In Mexico and From Dusk Till Dawn, Rodriguez made his first film when he was just 23 years old and raised his $7,000 budget by subjecting himself to medical experimentation. He then sold his now iconic El Mariachi to Columbia Tri-Star for a quarter of a million dollars.

Almost 15 years ago I first read his book Rebel Without A Crew which is his film diary telling the making of El Mariachi, and was first introduced to Rodriguez’s 10 Minute Film School in which he shares his inspirational mindset and determination for finding creative solutions for filmmaking problems.

You can get rid of the problem one of two ways – you can do it creatively or you can wash it away with the money hose. You got no money, you got no hose!

Throughout his career, Rodriguez has demonstrated countless ways to do things for free that Hollywood spends thousands on without a second thought and now, for your viewing pleasure I present to you a compilation of his best 10 Minute Film School videos that will change the way you view and make films forever. (more…)