10. El Mariachi with Carlos Gallardo and Elizabeth Avellan

More Than a Movie

“He did it for $7,000.” Before Machete, before Spy Kids, before From Dusk till Dawn, there was El Mariachi. Eager to make a name for himself in the world of film, but with no industry connections whatsoever, Robert Rodriguez went and directed a movie on his own - guerilla style - in Mexico, with a production budget of only $7,000. Producer Elizabeth Avellan is back to tell us how Robert came up with the idea and the crazy story of how he pulled it off. Spoiler: it involves signing himself up to be a medical lab rat so he could raise some of the funds. We also interviewed Mr. Mariachi, Carlos Gallardo, a true pro who not only starred in the film, but also had his hands involved in the producing, special effects, and camera departments while on set.

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