<b>Famed independent screenwriter and director Robert Rodriguez (<i>Sin City, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Spy Kids, Machete)</i> discloses all the unique strategies and original techniques he used to make his remarkable debut film <i>El Mariachi</i> on a shoestring budget. <br></b><br>This is both one man''s remarkable story and an essential guide for anyone who has a celluloid story to tell and the dreams and determination to see it through. Part production diary, part how-to manual, Rodriguez unveils how he was able to make his influential first film on only a $7,000 budget. Also included is the appendix, "The Ten Minute Film Course,” a tell-all on how to save thousands of dollars on film school and teach yourself the ropes of film production, directing, and screenwriting. <br><br>A perfect gift for the aspiring filmmaker.