[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UOa7tkByrw

Though it's been on YouTube for a while, this "10-Minute Film School," courtesy of acclaimed director Robert Rodriguez, appears to be terribly underappreciated. Let's fix that.

Rodriguez said he originally made this quick lesson to better explain to non-believers how he was able to make his Sundance-winning El mariachi on a budget of just $7,000. Not only is this a tremendous resource for anyone interested in making a great film with very little cash, it's also a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes for anyone who's ever wondered just how moviemakers do it.

For the third installment, in which Rodriguez shares some of the tricks behind his Desperado, go here.