Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez is a Mexican-American filmmaker, screenwriter, and musician known for his distinctive style and use of practical effects. He first gained recognition with his 1992 debut film, "El Mariachi," which he wrote, directed, and produced on a shoestring budget. He has since gone on to direct a number of popular films, including the "Spy Kids" franchise, "Sin City," "From Dusk Till Dawn," and the "Machete" films. Rodriguez is known for his use of independent financing and his innovative approach to filmmaking, which often involves using cutting-edge technology and unconventional methods to create his movies.

The Rodriguez List is a set of rules for making a movie on a small budget, created by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. The list was first published in Rodriguez's book "Rebel Without a Crew," in which he detailed his experiences making "El Mariachi," his debut film, on a budget of just $7,000. The list includes tips on how to save money while making a movie, such as using practical effects instead of CGI, shooting in black and white to save on film stock, and using your own car as a camera car. The list has since become a popular reference for independent filmmakers looking to make movies on a shoestring budget.

As an emerging filmmaker, you should start creating your list of things, events, people, equipment, time, locations etc., that you have available.  Keep adding to this list in the coming weeks, months and years.  Write screenplays that can be produced with the resources on your Rodriguez List.

"El Mariachi" is a 1992 American independent action film written, produced, and directed by Robert Rodriguez. It is the first film in the "Mexico Trilogy" of Rodriguez's films, followed by "Desperado" and "Once Upon a Time in Mexico." The film follows a young musician named El Mariachi who travels to a small Mexican town in search of work, only to become embroiled in a local drug war. Despite having a budget of only $7,000, "El Mariachi" was a critical and commercial success and helped to launch Rodriguez's career as a filmmaker. It was also the first film to be released by Columbia Pictures' indie arm, Columbia Pictures Classics.

Here are some ideas to help you write your own Rodriguez List and make a movie on a small budget:

• Use practical effects instead of CGI: Special effects can be very expensive, so using practical effects such as make-up, home-made haze, and mechanical props can help to save money.

• Use your own car as a camera car: Instead of renting a camera car, you can save money by using your own vehicle.

• Write a script that can be shot with a small crew: A smaller crew means fewer people to pay, so writing a script that can be shot with a small crew can help to save money.

• Don't be afraid to ask for favors: Asking friends and family to help out with the production can save money and also provide a supportive team.

• Keep the location simple: Using one or two locations can save on travel and location fees.

• Use natural light: Artificial lighting can be expensive and time consuming, so using natural light can help to save money.

• Don't be afraid to get creative: Think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems that can help to save money.

• Use stock music: Instead of hiring a composer or licensing popular music, using stock music can save money.

• Keep the cast small: Fewer actors means fewer people to pay and organise, so keeping the cast small can help to save money.

• Make your own props: Instead of buying props, you can save money by making your own.

• Use your own wardrobe: Using your own clothes for costumes can save money on wardrobe expenses.

• Don't be afraid to recycle: Reusing props, costumes, and sets from previous productions can save money.

• Use social media to promote your movie: Promoting your movie on social media is a free and effective way to get the word out.

• Use free or low-cost marketing materials: There are many free or low-cost options for creating marketing materials such as posters and business cards.

• Use your own equipment: If you have your own camera, lighting, and sound equipment, you can save money on rental fees.  Even a phone camera can be used.

• Keep the script tight: A shorter script means less shooting time, which can save money on crew, cast, and location fees.

• Use public locations: Instead of renting a private location, using a public location such as a park can save money.

• Consider crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo can be a way to raise money for your movie.

• Be organised: Staying organised and having a clear plan can help to save time and money during production.

• Keep your crew fed: Providing meals for your crew can help to keep morale high and prevent delays due to hunger. However, you can save money by opting for low-cost options such as catering from local supermarkets etc.

• Use student interns: Student interns can be a source of cheap or free labor and can also provide an opportunity for them to gain valuable experience.

• Be prepared for the unexpected: It's important to have a contingency plan or be ready to improvise in case you encounter unexpected obstacles during production.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're stuck or need help with something, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. You never know who might be able to provide valuable resources or advice.