Troma Frequently Asked Questions

We here at Troma love to hear from our fans. After all if it was not for you, there is no way we could for over 30 years been making movies. We get lots of e-mail from our fans, some is to tell us how much they enjoy our films, but most are people looking for information. Many fans write in with the same or similar questions. If you don't find the answer to your questions here, check out our contact page and drop one of us a line. So, to prevent any unnecessary typing and squinting at the screen for all involved, we present:

The Troma
F
A Q
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Page

How to use this page:
If you have a question for Troma Entertainment, chances are someone has asked it before and the answer can be found here. Read the below information, if the question you have is not addressed here the write to our Questions department.


Who is Troma?

Troma Entertainment is the oldest continually operating fully independent movie studio in the world. Since 1974, Troma has produced, acquired and distributed more than one thousand feature films from all regions of the globe and in all genres. Best known for the Toxic Avenger, Troma has helped bring to the world the best and brightest talents in entertainment, ranging from master Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (Troma's 1993 release of his My Neighbor Totoro was the first Miyazaki movie to be given a wide American theatrical release) to American humorists Matt Stone and Trey Parker (Troma's 1996 release of their Cannibal! The Musical would shine the spotlight of their incredible humor almost two years before their deserved success with "South Park"). Troma-produced films have also been the starting ground for such actors as Academy Award® winners Kevin Costner (Sizzle Beach USA), David Straithairn (When Nature Calls) and Marisa Tomei (The Toxic Avenger), as well as Chris Noth (Waitress!), Samuel L. Jackson (Def by Temptation), Gates McFadden, Fergie from THE BLACK EYED PEAS (Monster in the Closet), and Vincent D'Onofrio (The First Turn-On), and MORE!

Troma's World Headquarters is at 733 Ninth Avenue, between 49th and 50th Streets, in the heart of the Hell's Kitchen district of New York City.

Can I Get a Tour of the Troma Building?

As we are a working operation, we ask those who wish to visit the Troma Building to schedule a tour in advance with our tour guide, who will gladly take you through the sounds, the smells and the history that is Troma Entertainment. Tours usually last about ten to fifteen minutes, and are available Mondays through Fridays between 12PM and 6PM.


Working for Troma

Q: What jobs are available at Troma and how do I get one?
A:  We post job openings at our Jobs in Tromaville Page. Should you find a position you feel is suitable for your talents, you should send a cover letter and your resume to:

Troma Entertainment
733 Ninth Ave
NY NY 10019

or FAX at: (212) 399-9885

Unpaid internships are almost always available at Troma. Contact our intern department and view our Internships Page to answer more of your questions if you are interested in being an intern.

Q: How old do I have to be in order to work for Troma?
A: Unfortunately, due to the repressive Puritanical society in which we live, you must be 18 years old to work for us. Please keep us in mind and contact us when you are old enough to be drafted into an immoral war, vote the bastards who oppress us out of office, and legally enjoy Troma.

Q: "How can I be in a Troma movie?"
A: Troma is currently casting for their upcoming production Poultrygeist! You can visit the Poultrygeist! website for more information.

Troma also constantly shoots introductions and other materials for their DVD's. If you are an actor or actresses in the New York City area, you can always send your cover letter, resume, head and body shots to:
Troma Entertainment
Attn: Casting Department
733 Ninth Ave
New York, NY 10019

Q: "Does Troma hire interns?"
A: Yes, we do. We frequently hire interns who work on an unpaid position. Many schools will give credit for such internships. You must first check with your school to see if such an arraignment is available to you. If so please send your resume to the address above.

Q: "I have a band and we would like to know if Troma could use our music for a movie?"
A:   If you have original music that you would like to submit to Troma send a cassette or CD to:

Troma Entertainment
Attn: Soundtrack Music
733 Ninth Ave
New York, NY 10019



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Theatrical Release Dates for Our Movies

Q:
"When and where can I see Troma movies in a theater?"
A:   Troma movies are playing in movie theaters all around the world at any given moment. The Screening Calendar is updated frequently and will give you all the information you need in order to see a Troma movie in a dark room with sticky floors (no, we mean a movie house, not the webmaster's bathroom)

Q: "How do I get my local movie theater to show a Troma movie?
A:    
Getting our movies on to the screens across the nation will have to be a joint effort. What we suggest you do is this; you and your friends start calling art house cinemas and ask if they could show a Troma movie. Mention the website if they need more information about the movies. If they get enough calls they are going to realize that Troma movies are something people are willing to pay money to see. Most importantly, do not let tell them you are calling on behalf of Troma, because in reality, your not. You are calling as fans who are genuinely interested in seeing this picture. After all, that is the truth. Drop the hint. Plant the seed. After you guys bombard them with a few calls, send us an e-mail and let me know how it went. This method has worked before and when one thinks of it, is in the truest form what independent film is all about, people who love to make movies for people who love to watch movies with out having to bother with the big global conglomerates just to get it in a projector someplace.



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How do I get an autograph from Lloyd Kaufman?

The only way (other then coming here to the Troma Headquarters in NYC) is to send an 8"x10" Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to:

Troma Entertainment, Attn: Lloyd Kaufman Autographs
Radio City Station
PO Box: 486
New York, NY 10101-0486 USA

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Getting Lloyd to Come to Your Town

Q:
How do I get Lloyd Kaufman to visit my town so I can shake the hand of the man who put the fun in dysfunctional?
A:  One would think being President and Founder of a movie studio means long days sitting behind a desk, wheeling and dealing on the phone, keeping the pillows on the casting couch fluffed all the while being served by a gaggle of yes men. Well, in truth, it is that, yet somehow Troma President Lloyd Kaufman finds time to hit the road in order to promote his book "All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned From the Toxic Avenger". One should check Lloyd's Itinerary to see if and when he will be making a stop near you. If there is a theater, book store, video store, college or women's penitentiary that you think would welcome a visit from Lloyd, Toxie, Sgt Kabukiman, and the rest of the Wonderful World of Troma characters, you should do the same thing as when trying to get a theater to show a Troma movie. Contact the venue, convince them that Lloyd is one of pop cultures must beloved icons (he is, you know) and his presence will certainly attract a decent number of fans who are desperately searching for ways to spend money.

Q: How do I book Lloyd and/or the Troma Team for appearances at an event?
A: To book Lloyd and/or the Troma Team for appearances, email: Our Booking Department in New York


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Getting Your Local Video Store to Stock Troma Videos

Q: How do I get my local video store to carry Troma movies?
A:   Getting you local video rental outfit to carry Troma movies is very much like getting your local theater to show our films. Contact the store, tell them about our website if they more information. Tell them what fine quality Troma movies are and how they are popular the world over. If the stores proprietor are wise, they will create a Troma section.

Release Dates for Our Videos and DVD's

Q: When will (enter movie title here) be released on video/DVD?
A:   
All new releases for video and DVD are featured in the New Release section of the Troma Studio Store and the Movies section of Troma.com In some cases advance notice by as much as month or more will be given to some titles. In many cases one could order a movie before it is released to ensure that they will be the first on the block to be the proud owner of the latest Troma presentation.

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The Price of Our Videos and DVD's

Q: Why don't you ever run a sale at the Troma Studio?
A:   We run sales all the time! As soon as you enter the Troma Studio Store any sales or promotions we are running will be announced right there.

Q: Why should I pay more for a movie from the Troma website when I can get them cheaper on other sites?
A:  When you buy directly from Troma, you are directly helping to support independent cinema in the purest form. When we sell a movie directly through our website, we do not have to divide the sale up with anyone else, and we can use those monies to make and acquire more of the movies you like to watch. Also, we very often stuff a few extras in the packages that we send out, things like mini posters, catalogs, stickers or whatever we have laying around.


Placing an Order at the Troma Studio Store

For a more comprehenive index of inquiries, please see the Official Troma Studio Store FAQ's.

Q:   "How do I place an order at the Troma Studio Store?"
A:   
 Placing an order at the Troma Studio Store is very easy. First, select which section of the store you wish to shop, be it Troma, Roan, EG Sports or TromaDance. From each section, you may continue to select various choices for DVD, VHS and other formats.

If you know the name of the movie you are looking for you can enter it in the Search Field on the upper right hand side.

Once you have located the item you wish to buy, simply click Add To Cart. You can continue shopping, or you can click on your Cart to change the quantity of the items you ordered. Once you have placed all the items you wish to purchase, click the checkout button to begin completing the order process. You will need to be a registered user of the Troma Studio Store to complete an order. We ask for certain information when registering for the Troma Studio Store in case we need to contact you by email or phone in case of a problem with your order, and to send you a tracking number once the ordered has been processed and shipped. Any incorrect information may delay our getting your order to you in a timely fashion, so please enter all contact information accurately. Troma Entertainment has never and will never sell your personal information to anyone.

When you get to the Check Out page fill out the form there. It is here where you will get the total for shipping as well. Its always a good idea to print out this form before submitting it to us.

Q: How safe is my credit card information on the web?
A:   
Using your credit card on the net is much safer than anywhere else. When you use your credit card in a store or restaurant, there is no telling how many people will see your card, the records or imprints. When you use a credit card at the Troma Mall, only one person will see the card information, our webmaster and store operator.

Credit card fraud is a serious charge. A company that is connected with such activity could face fines and penalties so severe that they could be effectively closed down. Troma has been around for over 30 years, we are not going to risk our reputation over a fast buck. Credit card fraud is also very hard to get away with. Credit companies are very effective in investigating complaints and always are able to discover who the culprit is. All of our employees who handle our orders know this.

Q:
How much are the shipping charges on an order?
A:   Shipping in the United States: $4.00 for first item; $1.50 for each additional item. NY State residents are charged 8.625% sales tax on items and shipping fees.

International: Varies based on country. Shipping prices and delivery times may vary when shipping to cities outside the continental US.

It should be noted that in the case of video and DVD sets, these items are NOT considered one unit. If you order a set that includes three videos, you will be charged shipping on three items. If you have ever ordered a set, you will see, the items are packaged separately and not sold like a "box set".

Q: How long does it take for an order to be shipped?
A: Troma ships most orders between 2 or 3 working days after receiving them, unless an item is out of stock. To find out whether an item you ordered is in stock, please contact Customer Service. Shipping prices and delivery times may vary when shipping to cities outside the continental US.


An Order Already Placed at the Troma Studio Store

For a more comprehenive index of inquiries, please see the Official Troma Studio Store FAQ's.

Q: I placed an order at the Studio Store and:

a) it has not arrived yet.
b) the wrong movies were shipped.
c) some of the movies were missing.
d) some of the movies were defective.

A: We here at Troma pride ourselves in the efficient manner our shipping department handles orders. However, from time to time, mistakes can be made. If for whatever reason there is a problem with an order you placed, e-mail our Customer Service department. Include in your letter the question along with your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address as you entered them on your order. We also must know the exact date of your order. This is very important. In order to help you we must find your original order. Saying you placed the order "sometime in the end of May" will not help because we get thousands of e-mail's, including orders, every week.

Q: I read on another website there was a sale at the Troma Studio Store. But when I went to order the movies they were priced more than what I was told.
A: Many websites that promote sales on the web announce our sales. They post once but do not always take down the announcement. It is always a good idea to double check the prices before you order.

Q: How soon after placing an order can I cancel it?
A:   The majority of our orders ship the next business day after we receive payment. If, for whatever reason, you wish to cancel your order, you must do so immediately for we do not accept returned packages and / or merchandise.

Q: I ordered some movies from the Troma Studio Store and now I got a letter from our custom office that there is no invoice in the package and I need one in order to get my package.
A:  This is a common problem for our customers who live overseas, especially in Europe. What we suggest doing is when you fill out the order form, print it out. This can serve as your invoice.

Q: I don't own a credit card. Can I order with check or money order?
A: The Troma Studio Store accepts Visa, MasterCard, money orders and PayPal (Domestic Orders only). Should you wish to pay by Money Order, please follow the instructions during checkout for money orders.


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The Casts of Our Movies

We do not give out the address, phone numbers or e-mail address of any cast remember who appears in a Troma movie. Nor are we able to pass messages on to a cast member. Some of the people who have appeared in our pictures have fan websites where you may be able to contact them. Check out our Links page for more information.

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An Original Idea for a Film or a Screenplay

Q: "I have this great idea for a movie. It's all about...."
A:  Troma's production schedule is currently full and we are unable to accept any new screenplays.

Q: "I have a movie I made and am wondering if Troma would be interested in it"
A:   If you have a completed film and would like to know if Troma would be interested in distributing it, please send a VHS or DVD (NTSC preferred) to
Troma Entertainment
Attn: Acquisitions
733 Ninth Ave
NY NY 10019

We can not return any tape or DVD sent to us, so please do not send your only copy!


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If the Toxic Avenger and Sgt. Kabukiman Were to Have a Fight, Who Would Win?

Watch Citizen Toxie to find out!!!


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Why aren't videos and DVD's shown in wide-screen format?

Many people would like to know why our films are not shown on wide-screen format, particularly in regards to our DVD's. They assume that because the top and bottom of the screen are not cropped that they are being deprived of some crucial cinematic element. In fact, when the major studios crop these shots, the only thing you are not seeing is the lights and microphones.

Lloyd Kaufman chooses to shoot in what is known as full-aperture. This is the way it was shot, exactly as Lloyd saw it in the camera, and has not been re-formatted in any way. Furthermore, the shot is just as wide as wide-screen, only Troma includes the top and the bottom of the picture as well. It is an artistic decision and the shots are framed for this aspect ratio. Should a director request their films be shown with the black bars, we naturally would honor the request, as we did with Dario Argento on The Stendhal Syndrome.

Q: So then why put out a widescreen version of The Toxic Avenger?
A:
Because many of our fans have asked for it.

Q: Are there any Troma DVD's that are presented in a 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer?
A:
At this time, only Mad Dog Morgan is presented in a 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer.

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Do Troma DVD's run on all players?

All Troma DVD's have no regional coding, and should play on any DVD player able to play NTSC encoded disks. Some PAL countries, such as the UK and France, have some Troma titles with specific region 2 coding, but to play the American disks, you will need a DVD player that has NTSC-to-PAL converters.

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How do I become a Tromette of the Month?

All Tromette of the Month applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

If you would like to be considered as a Tromette of the Month, send our friendly webmaster a couple pictures of yourself, the more Tromaesque the better. Our Tromette Nomination Committee will screen all potential candidates for style, poise, congeniality and uniqueness. Once the committee has made their selection for the month, we will need to get from you 12 to 16 pictures that you'd want for the Tromette gallery, along with a short bio about yourself and something about what your favorite Troma film is or why you like Troma, etc. In order for us to post any of your pictures, Tromettes are required to show top nudity & sign a release agreement.

Q: Why don't you do a Troman of the Month?
A: Because most men are afraid of being judged at the same level of real Tromen like Lloyd Kaufman, Mark Torgl or Larry McGinley. But if any man thinks he has what it takes to be a Troman of the Month, follow the same instructions above.

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How can I have my site linked at Troma.com?

We get many requests from other webmasters to add links to their sites. And as much as we would love to give everybody a little bit of extra publicity, we must be selective about who we link to. Only those sites which have some kind of Troma-related material will be considered for inclusion.

Please send any link request to our webmaster, who will look over your site.