Tubi, the world’s largest free ad-supported video on demand service, today announced it will be the exclusive streaming home to RED 11 and THE ROBERT RODRIGUEZ FILM SCHOOL from the visionary director of such films as FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, SPY KIDS and ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL.
Based on Robert Rodriguez’s experiences in a medical research facility to finance his first feature EL MARIACHI, RED 11 is set in the dark, twisted world of legal drug research. College kids turn lab rats to make quick money, and our hero, Rob (who is assigned the color and number Red 11), is here to buy his way out of a huge debt to the tune of $7,000. But things get surreal when he’s not sure if the hospital is really trying to kill him, or if it’s side effects from the experimental drugs.
In keeping with an aspect of the film's plot, Rodriguez produced RED 11 on a $7,000 budget – the same amount of money it took to create his first feature, EL MARIACHI. Meanwhile, THE ROBERT RODRIGUEZ FILM SCHOOL is a docu-series companion piece to the feature that explains this process, while speaking to filmmakers and entrepreneurs alike on overcoming the perceived limitations of time, budget and other variables.
“I'm thrilled to be partnering with Tubi to deliver Red 11 and its accompanying Film School docuseries free of charge and easily accessible to all audiences,” said Robert Rodriguez. “I made both Red 11 and the Film School series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of El Mariachi, and this project shows truly actionable methods using my no crew, micro budget filmmaking style that will inspire others to make their own films and have their voices be heard. These are both dream projects of mine, an entertaining culmination of ideas and ruminations on the creative process that also highlight the heightened sense of spirituality that comes from dancing with creativity when there is an absence of the usual financial resources. In other words, ‘low budg fun.’”
Would-be filmmakers take note, Rodriguez's RED 11 and THE ROBERT RODRIGUEZ FILM SCHOOL are two projects that are likely to be worth your time. After all, funding can be real nightmare when it comes to filmmaking, as can providing insurance, food, and incentives for your crew. I'm not saying that you should skimp on those things if your production requires a hefty show of hands, though it would sure be nice if a professional could show you how to circumvent those expenses by altering your production plan, no?
“Red 11 and the story of how Robert made this movie is inspirational to up-and-coming filmmakers,” said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer, Tubi. “We are thrilled to amplify Robert’s message to the next generation of filmmakers as a part of our commitment to helping independent films find a wide audience.”
The sci-fi thriller and companion docu-series will be available completely free this summer.