One of the cast members, Nica, died of a drug overdose a few months after shooting was completed. She left behind a two and a half year old son, which director Allison Anders subsequently adopted.
Director Allison Anders compiled her script from anecdotes from real girl gangs. She also cast genuine 'gangbangers' in the film.
Salma Hayek's debut.
Some of the actors learned how to throw up gang signs during the filming of the movie. They provoked some of the people in the neighborhood and the next day the windows of one of the cars on the set were shot.
A lot of teenagers from the neighborhood were used as extras. One night, there were complaints because an extra was said to be smoking Angel Dust (PCP) on the set.