What do you think?
Rate this book
Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player
Famed independent screenwriter and director Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Spy Kids, Machete) discloses all the unique strategies and original techniques he used to make his remarkable debut film El Mariachi on a shoestring budget.
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.
A perfect gift for the aspiring filmmaker.
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.
A perfect gift for the aspiring filmmaker.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
8 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Robert Rodriguez
6 books6 followersPop culture historian Robert Rodriguez has written or contributed to nine books. 2012 saw the publication of two: Fab Four FAQ 2.0: The Beatles' Solo Years 1970-1980 and The Beatles: Fifty Fabulous Years. The first is the acclaimed sequel to his previous volume, Fab Four FAQ, a much lauded fan and critic favorite. The second is a colorful gift book, on sale exclusively at Barnes & Noble, and features a bonus documentary DVD.
See Fab Four FAQ 2.0 on Facebook for daily archival video postings.
See Fab Four FAQ 2.0 on Facebook for daily archival video postings.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 23, 2023
Title: "Rebel Without a Crew: A Maverick's Guide to Indie Filmmaking"
Rating: ★★★★☆
In "Rebel Without a Crew," the illustrious independent screenwriter and director, Robert Rodriguez, known for his groundbreaking works like "Sin City," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," and "Spy Kids," fearlessly opens the doors to his creative kingdom. This remarkable nonfiction work not only unveils the captivating story of Rodriguez's debut film, "El Mariachi," made on a shoestring budget but also serves as an essential guide for aspiring filmmakers with celluloid dreams and unwavering determination. It's a part-production diary, part-how-to manual, and an invaluable resource for those ready to take their passion for filmmaking to new heights.
Rodriguez's narrative prowess, akin to a master storyteller weaving his tale by the flickering light of a projector, transports readers into the heart of his audacious journey. With a flourish of his pen, he shares the unique strategies and original techniques he employed to bring "El Mariachi" to life. It's a cinematic pilgrimage that proves creativity knows no bounds, and even the most meager of budgets can't quell the fire of artistic vision.
"Rebel Without a Crew" is more than just a captivating memoir—it's a treasure trove of insider knowledge for aspiring filmmakers. Rodriguez generously spills the beans, providing a roadmap for those seeking to emulate his success. From pre-production to post-production, he unravels the mystery behind his influential first film, showcasing the resourcefulness and determination that propelled him forward.
One of the highlights of this book is the inclusion of the appendix, "The Ten Minute Film Course." Consider it a golden ticket to saving thousands of dollars on film school. Rodriguez lays bare the secrets of the trade, offering a crash course in film production, directing, and screenwriting. It's an invaluable resource for anyone eager to jumpstart their cinematic journey armed with practical wisdom from a true industry rebel.
While "Rebel Without a Crew" is undoubtedly a treasure trove for aspiring filmmakers, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly rushed. However, this minor drawback does little to detract from the overall impact of Rodriguez's insights and experiences. His passion and expertise shine through every page, making this book an essential companion for those venturing into the realm of independent filmmaking.
In true Roger Ebert fashion, it's essential to appreciate the technical aspects that make this book a gem in its own right. Rodriguez's writing style is accessible and engaging, effortlessly capturing the reader's attention. His anecdotes are peppered with wit and charm, providing an enjoyable reading experience while imparting invaluable wisdom. It's a testament to his skill as both a storyteller and a mentor.
"Rebel Without a Crew: A Maverick's Guide to Indie Filmmaking" is an indispensable read for anyone harboring a burning desire to make their mark in the world of cinema. Robert Rodriguez's journey from shoestring budget to Hollywood success is an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers everywhere. So grab your camera, gather your dreams, and let this book be your guiding light as you embark on your own remarkable celluloid adventure.
Note: This review pairs perfectly with a marathon of indie film classics and a cup of strong coffee to keep your creative juices flowing. Let Rodriguez's rebel spirit infuse your passion and ignite your filmmaking dreams. Roll camera!
Rating: ★★★★☆
In "Rebel Without a Crew," the illustrious independent screenwriter and director, Robert Rodriguez, known for his groundbreaking works like "Sin City," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," and "Spy Kids," fearlessly opens the doors to his creative kingdom. This remarkable nonfiction work not only unveils the captivating story of Rodriguez's debut film, "El Mariachi," made on a shoestring budget but also serves as an essential guide for aspiring filmmakers with celluloid dreams and unwavering determination. It's a part-production diary, part-how-to manual, and an invaluable resource for those ready to take their passion for filmmaking to new heights.
Rodriguez's narrative prowess, akin to a master storyteller weaving his tale by the flickering light of a projector, transports readers into the heart of his audacious journey. With a flourish of his pen, he shares the unique strategies and original techniques he employed to bring "El Mariachi" to life. It's a cinematic pilgrimage that proves creativity knows no bounds, and even the most meager of budgets can't quell the fire of artistic vision.
"Rebel Without a Crew" is more than just a captivating memoir—it's a treasure trove of insider knowledge for aspiring filmmakers. Rodriguez generously spills the beans, providing a roadmap for those seeking to emulate his success. From pre-production to post-production, he unravels the mystery behind his influential first film, showcasing the resourcefulness and determination that propelled him forward.
One of the highlights of this book is the inclusion of the appendix, "The Ten Minute Film Course." Consider it a golden ticket to saving thousands of dollars on film school. Rodriguez lays bare the secrets of the trade, offering a crash course in film production, directing, and screenwriting. It's an invaluable resource for anyone eager to jumpstart their cinematic journey armed with practical wisdom from a true industry rebel.
While "Rebel Without a Crew" is undoubtedly a treasure trove for aspiring filmmakers, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly rushed. However, this minor drawback does little to detract from the overall impact of Rodriguez's insights and experiences. His passion and expertise shine through every page, making this book an essential companion for those venturing into the realm of independent filmmaking.
In true Roger Ebert fashion, it's essential to appreciate the technical aspects that make this book a gem in its own right. Rodriguez's writing style is accessible and engaging, effortlessly capturing the reader's attention. His anecdotes are peppered with wit and charm, providing an enjoyable reading experience while imparting invaluable wisdom. It's a testament to his skill as both a storyteller and a mentor.
"Rebel Without a Crew: A Maverick's Guide to Indie Filmmaking" is an indispensable read for anyone harboring a burning desire to make their mark in the world of cinema. Robert Rodriguez's journey from shoestring budget to Hollywood success is an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers everywhere. So grab your camera, gather your dreams, and let this book be your guiding light as you embark on your own remarkable celluloid adventure.
Note: This review pairs perfectly with a marathon of indie film classics and a cup of strong coffee to keep your creative juices flowing. Let Rodriguez's rebel spirit infuse your passion and ignite your filmmaking dreams. Roll camera!
January 4, 2024
I don't Highlight books, but I definitely highlighted this one, there was just so many parts of it I found funny and interesting to me. The idea to show diary pages made the book alot smoother to read. You get to see all the impressive things he was doing with this tight budget and no cast. A few of my favorite quotes from the book on this topic were:
"I'm afraid to write too much dialogue, since I haven't seen who's going to play the girl. If she can't act I'll give her fewer lines."
"..if you brought us a prop we needed, we put you in the movie."
"We shot all of his scenes in slow-motion to kind of build suspense . . and extend the screen time"
Hate to just throw a line of quotes from the book in my review without a break between them, but I just had to share these. I'm not a Robert Rodriguez fan by any stretch of the imagination, but boy this makes me want to become one. Just his sheer passion for filmmaking is very loud in this book. Also the original film script in the back was a nice touch (even though he says on page 77 thats its formatted wrong compared to most professional scripts).
From Rural Texas to Roger Ebert this book was very interesting to read. I think it needs to be repressed and put in more book stores, more aspiring filmmakers need to read this, especially in the age of film makers making features length films for YouTube.
"I'm afraid to write too much dialogue, since I haven't seen who's going to play the girl. If she can't act I'll give her fewer lines."
"..if you brought us a prop we needed, we put you in the movie."
"We shot all of his scenes in slow-motion to kind of build suspense . . and extend the screen time"
Hate to just throw a line of quotes from the book in my review without a break between them, but I just had to share these. I'm not a Robert Rodriguez fan by any stretch of the imagination, but boy this makes me want to become one. Just his sheer passion for filmmaking is very loud in this book. Also the original film script in the back was a nice touch (even though he says on page 77 thats its formatted wrong compared to most professional scripts).
From Rural Texas to Roger Ebert this book was very interesting to read. I think it needs to be repressed and put in more book stores, more aspiring filmmakers need to read this, especially in the age of film makers making features length films for YouTube.
January 20, 2023
This is a fun read that gives an inside look to how someone’s life can turn 180-degrees overnight. It really highlights that hard work is only part of the process - while networking, legwork, and some luck are required to make it big.
This would be five stars if the entire book was relevant, but a good chunk of the diary, at least 20% of it are the extreme details Robert goes into about the equipment and editing processes he used for El Mariachi. And while those details may be relevant to the most devout cinephiles, it is a chore for average readers (and some modern film makers) to get through.
As the diary and story takes place nearly thirty years ago, most of it isn’t relevant thanks to the technologies of today. However, there are nuggets of wisdom to be found throughout and for that it is a must-read for anyone who is aspiring to make their own film, or that is intrigued by the film industry.
This would be five stars if the entire book was relevant, but a good chunk of the diary, at least 20% of it are the extreme details Robert goes into about the equipment and editing processes he used for El Mariachi. And while those details may be relevant to the most devout cinephiles, it is a chore for average readers (and some modern film makers) to get through.
As the diary and story takes place nearly thirty years ago, most of it isn’t relevant thanks to the technologies of today. However, there are nuggets of wisdom to be found throughout and for that it is a must-read for anyone who is aspiring to make their own film, or that is intrigued by the film industry.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews