I recently completed my very first music video for the band Seven Day Faith, which will (hopefully) soon be playing in heavy rotation on MTV2 and Fuse. The band basically had no budget and wanted the highest possible production values (big surprise there). Every ounce of energy I put into shooting, directing and editing down the footage came about thanks to the inspiration from "Make Your Own Damn Movie."

I wanted to thank you for helping out with good insight and
positive direction. If this makes it to a future video awards show, I will definitely remember you in my acceptance speech.

All the best,
Kenneth Morrison

Dozens of people have written reviews for Make Your Own Damn Movie on Amazon.com, and the unanimous decision (59 Five Star Reviews, 7 Four Star Reviews and 0 three, two, one or zero star reviews) is...

"I just finished the rough cut of my low-budget directorial debut and it would not have been possible without Lloyd Kaufman's MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN MOVIE."

"A must have for anyone who loves movies."
"The Only Filmmaking Book Worth Reading!"
"Hilarious, and informative."
"Refreshing."
"Horrifying and hilarious."
"Extremely informative and funny."
"Hilarious, Shocking, packed with really useful info!"
"Vulgar. Disgusting. Essential."
"I can hardly put it down."

"A pleasure to read for the movie lover, future movie maker, or both."

"Great reading."
"Informative, To the Point, and Entertaining!"
"I couldn't stop reading it!"
"The knowledge and entertainment value of this book is hard for me to put a price on."

"This book gave me the proper kick in the ass to move beyond the shorts that I've been doing and actually tackle a feature length film."
"Buy and read this if you're ever considering getting in to the film industry but have no idea where to start."

"Makes the reader conscious of a discipline that allows, and fosters, creative freedom."

"Loaded with pithy and practical advice from the trenches of true independent film making."
"Definitely the best book any new filmmaker can own."
"If you have any desire at all to make a film, whatever it might be about, read this book first. Once you have read it, even if you don't remember what was in it, you will be much better prepared mentally for the trials and tribulations of making a movie."
"What can I say about this book? It actually manages to teach you a lot about film-making without reading like an instruction manual."

What also comes through, after all the reams of kidding are cast aside, is how passionate – perhaps rabid is a better word – Tromans, and Kaufman is included, seem to be about independent film. For all his carping and moaning about his lot in life and bickering with his co-authors and whatnot, it seems that Kaufman is reasonably content as the head of his filmmaking family – no matter how absurdly dysfunctional it may be.

From Creature Corner.com

Wayne Schroer

P. S. That Alison Deck on page 260 is incredible! Where can I see more of her?

Mr Kaufman... you are brilliant... abso-freaking-lutely brilliant.

I have been in love with films for as long as I can remember. Ok... rephrase that... I've liked movies... but generally not the mindless pabulum for the masses that HellaWeird puts out on a regular basis. But I digress.

On Saturdays growing up, I watched movies from the time I got up until finally my mother would turn off the TV and demand I bathe and dress... usually about 4 in the afternoon. On Sundays when the paper arrived, I would pilfer the enclosed local TV guide. Flipping to the back of the guide, I would read every single movie description and circle the ones I wanted to watch. I was particularly drawn to horror... B-Horror to be exact.

Well I grew up, my dad providing a now ancient video camera for me to make my own movies along with my best friend's super 8mm. I took film in high school, but didn't continue after college much to the horror of my film teacher.

In the early 90's, while away at college, I was dating this guy and he introduced me to The Toxic Crusaders and I fell in love with Toxie. My boyfriend, rather disturbed by that revelation, told me it was based on a movie called The Toxic Avenger. Eventually I managed to see the Toxic Avenger. I was not disappointed. It inspired me to drop out of college and do something bold with my life. (Not that I couldn't have finished college and THEN made films... Its just patience is NOT of my virtues.)

I continued playing with film and video, and in between getting married and having a few kids I managed to do a few shorts and a few documentaries. In 2001, my youngest daughter died, taking the wind out of all of my sails. I put all of my equipment away... and decided that filming just wasn't that damn important anyway's.

But as you know (as evident in your book), that once you are a film junky, it is a hard habit to break. So this past year I decided to start again, still doing shorts, but this time in DV (I know... I know... I read the book....), but what I really wanted to do was a feature. (But I will get to that in a moment... really... I promise... I am almost done....)

So this January, our city decides to cut all funding for the various youth centers in town and to close all the pools, leaving nothing for the kids to do this summer. So I start this program called Youth Summer Film Project which happens for six weeks this summer. I intend on giving them a hands on sink or swim baptism of fire in filmmaking. This brings me to why I decided to send you this email. (and it only took me 7.. um make that 8 paragraphs to get here).

I was searching the library for books on funding independent films. My eyes scanning the spines of the books, a title jumped out at me "Make Your Own Damn Movie". I slipped it out and when I saw it wasn't specifically on funding, almost put it back. That is until I saw Toxie's face on the cover. That hooked me.

Since that day a few months ago, I've read it twice, and will be ordering it off of Amazon.com. (because the library keeps sending me these letters that they want their book back... imagine that) Before I doubted if I could make my own feature, and now I know that if you can do it... um... well.... you know the rest of that sentiment. Thanks for giving me the confidence to jump in and do it. I am lining up my crew and looking to shoot it sometime next summer if funding pans out.

Thanks again... You rock...

Zoe

I just got in the Mail today something interesting from Barnes and Noble. "MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN MOVIE!" what happened is that my sister ordered it for me for a christmas gift and them fuckers at B&N said that it would be available by christmas and totally ripped her off. but it came in the mail today and i thought it wasn't supposed to be out until April. but hey it was a nice surprise and i look
forward to reading it. thanks for your time

P. S. the Citizen Toxie DVD kicks major fucking ass

best wishes
Ian McAndrew

This is Joe Pinkerton in Greenup, Ky. Lloyd, you are a GOD!!!!!!!!! I ordered both of your books, you delivered in TEN days. that is the greatest delivery time of all time.

i LOVE Dead Dudes in the House but it is out of stock, when do you expect a new shipment?

Also, i know you accept acquisitions of films, but what about scripts? I am 30 years old and I grew up on Troma and would LOVE to work with you. Also, Tiffany Shepis is Soho hot!! does she have a b.f.?

Keep up the great work. I know at times it seems hopeless, but you do a lot of good for people. FUCK METALLICA AND HOLLYWOOD!!!! Also, i puke publicly, especially if i'm drunk.

I'm gonna go but you'll hear from me soon.

Joe.

Also, tell Charles I ADORE Mother's Day.

"You're a real pretty girl."

"Don't touch me, you sadistic motherfucker!"

Classic!!!!

Lloyd,
I am a beginning film maker (Big Surprise) and recently I was given a copy of your book to read. I decided to start to make film late in life (I am in my mid 30's) and do not have the luxury of going to any sort of film or cinema school so I have taken up being a "Gorilla Film Maker". As such I have been forced to learn how to make films through the vast array of books (and I use this term loosely) that are available. Not having been a Troma fan (mainly due to lack of exposure, I have only seen The Toxic Avenger while in high school) I was a bit reluctant to read your book due to it's unconventional look and format but was assured it was worth the time. So I began to read it and found myself unable to put it down! Your book was far more valuable than any "Film school in a book" (or I imagine any book in a film school) that I have read to this point. It was well thought out, explained the essentials of what someone in my position should need to know, and has become the bible by which I am structuring my fledgling production company by. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write it, it truly is invaluable.

Thank You,
Tim Krizan

Dear Mr. Kaufman:
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say (a) Hi!!!, (b) that I finished reading Making Your own Damn Movie and loved it -- it is probably one of the best texts on filmmaking I've ever read (and, as a budding filmmaker/filmmaker wannabe, I've read lots!) and (c) got to see Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD on the Drive-In Network (up here in Canada -- make sure you get your royalties!) and loved it -- my favourite scene was the clown scene.

Anyway, I will draw to a close... I know you're busy. Keep up the great work~~!!!

A small p.s... any advice for an Anglican priest who wants to start making movies (other than don't do it)?

Peace and all Good!
Fr. Stopa

Hello Lloyd,
Seriosly dude!! You Rock. At this point you might be wondering why am i telling you something you already know. And i will tell ya why. I was buying "Make your own damn Movie" and it got me laid!! I was at the local B&N and impressed the chick at the counter checking me out. When i said i was a filmaker she asked me to have some overpriced natzi coffie. As i sipped overpriced sugar and milk with moca, she proclaimed she had never seen a troma movie befor. As a Movie nerd i had a copy of Cannible! in my car. So after she got off work we went back to her place and didnt even get to "Spidoinkle Day".

Now i know your next question. Why B&N? Why not via Troma? Because i was broke and gots no cc, and no dentist to lend me their autographed copys.

Stay cool.

Mikezilla, The original terror of Tromaville

Dear Lloyd:
Like Madonna I had decided to write children's books. However, I couldn't develop an affected British accent so I decided to review your books on Amazon instead. Whether or not they accept them to be posted is up to them. Amazon states it can take up to six days. I actually wrote the review about the second book first, but they are as follows:

"All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger: The Shocking True Story of Troma Studios" is a yin and yang (hot Asian twins I think) telling of Lloyd Kaufman's years as a leader in independent film making. Less of a step by step process of how to make a movie, unlike his latest literary achievement "Make Your Own Damn Movie," and more of a progression of Lloyd's career making films and the building of the Troma Studios empire. Although it does give useful information on making independent films, creating special effects for the price of green food coloring and Bromo Seltzer, etc., I think its beauty is in the telling of the history of Troma and the courageous band of... wait, I thought I was talking about Hogan's Heroes for a minute. Anyway, don't buy the book only for the nudity. Buy it because you want to know about real independent movie making. Besides, it's so funny you'll wet yourself or at least the person next to you.

"Make Your Own Damn Movie" tells you the blood and guts and more guts (with more blood and assorted body parts) of independent movie making. While going through each process of assembling a film it doesn't candy coat the time, trouble, expense, headaches, anxiety and possible asthma attacks making one's own movie a reality WILL be. If one truly wants to make one's dream come true, without selling one's soul to the Hollywood corporate system, this is the book that tells one how to do it. Lloyd Kaufman has been a leader in independent film making for thirty years. He knows how to get it done and shares it with you along with some personal quirks you just may not want to know about Lloyd or anyone else. But I digress. You want to make your own movie under your own control? Buy and read this book. You don't want to make a movie? Buy it anyway. It's so funny you'll wet yourself.

By the way, this took at least five minutes to write as opposed to the two minutes you indicated. I did save time by stealing phrases from one review to the other. Like using the same car flip in more than one movie. Anyway, I hope it is actually helpful. By the way, if you could tell people, like your staff (or at least the Tromettes) about my photography website, I'd appreciate it. As I designed it, I guess I'm the web-monkey for it. And don't worry, there are very few actually nude women on it.

Have fun in Cannes.

Sincerely,
Jim Cox

Hello Lloyd,
I was lucky enough to be at the Ann Arbor stop on your booksigning tour, and wanted to thank you for all of your insight and inspiration. I am using your book and have formed a production company called Arjuna Films (it sounds cool and more importantly, wasn't already taken). Our first project should be ready for Tromadance 2004, but I'm writing to you about our second feature.

The second outing will be mine to direct, and the script I'm writing is an homage to all of the Troma Films I love. Homage is French for ripoff, right? It's an epic tale of teens losing their virginity, losing their way and losing their lunches. Decaying bodies, sex and lots of gore ensue in this road trip romp we're calling "Sex-starved Zombies from way up North". I wanted to ask your permission to use your name (sort of) in the making of this film. Where our heroes go astray and encounter the lusty zombies is a little nonexistent town in Northern Michigan called Lloydburg. I would think of it as Tromaville North, especially if all the inbred Burt Reynolds babies from Deliverance migrated to the U.P.

The script is only at the first draft stage at the moment, but I wanted to touch base with you and ask for your okay before committing that portion to paper.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm a huge fan and would like to thank you for all of the great film memories. To this day, the sauna masturbation scene in The Toxic Avenger is one of the hottest scenes ever, in my opinion. It got me through a difficult time in my adolescent life, well several times, to be exact... but you get the idea.

Thanks again, Lloyd,
Roger B

Dear Mr. Kaufman,
Having just finished reading your latest book, Make Your Own Damn Movie, I felt inclined to write you a letter. Partly, because I was impressed with your book, partly because I just crawled out of bed and am trying to put off getting any real work accomplished. Okay, mostly because I am trying to put off getting any real work accomplished, but you’ll get some heartfelt kudos to go along with my conscientious slackery.

I have been a struggling filmmaker for most of my life, but the demands of being a writer and small press publisher have always taken priority. (Keeping a roof over my head is only nominally more important than making movies, and since the other two passions are what pays the bills, filmmaking is usually relegated to the background.) Earlier this year, against my better judgment, I decided to pursue filmmaking once again, so your timing (or maybe St. Martin’s—for all I know, the book has been languishing in their vaults for years waiting for a window in their publishing schedule) was impeccable.

Years ago, when I was working at a local city library, I stumbled across a copy of your book, shocked. Shocked that our library, with its strict budget and sometimes-conservative stance, would carry such a book. Shocked that the progenitor of Troma could not only write, but write well. Usually, I am left unmoved by an abundance of toilet humor, but you displayed more than a modicum of wit and intelligence, so such crimes against aesthetics could be overlooked. To a movie buff like myself, it was informative, and a damn fine read… even if you did pan Rebane’s The Capture of Bigfoot and Rana, the Legend of Shadow Lake. The worst films in your catalog? Don’t get me started.

So when I pried your second book, Make Your Own Damn Movie, from an over-packed shelf in the same library a few days ago, I not only snatched it up right away, I also didn’t hide it under my jacket on the way up to the check-out counter as I had with your previous book. Of course, it was 92° out, and so I had left my jacket in the car, but even then the shame was not forthcoming.

Having devoured the guide in two and a half sittings (standing at the bus stop waiting for the number seven southbound doesn’t quite qualify as a “sitting”), I have to congratulate you. Yes, it was engrossing. Yes, it was funny. (Despite the fact the scatological humor was in full force this time out.) But, most importantly, it was helpful. Over the last fifteen, maybe twenty years, I have read countless books on the technical aspects of filmmaking. Each would offer nuggets of important information, but most did little to bridge the gap between making simple home movies for the enjoyment of one’s friends and family, and producing larger budget films for the studios. Yours proved to be the missing link, the Lucy of filmmaking manuals.

And best of all, in spite of your spelling out the inevitable pitfalls of the vocation, and how one’s societal acceptance will be forever sullied by these endeavors (which isn’t much of a threat because most of us are hopeless geeks to begin with), your book was inspiring. Your passion for filmmaking is not only evident on every page, but is downright infectious. (Of course, anyone who has worked with you probably wouldn’t share this enthusiasm, but I digress.) So, when I fail at being a filmmaker, and am lying in a gutter with a broken camera in one hand and a bottle of furniture polish in the other, know that I’ll be looking towards the night sky and cursing your name. (It wouldn’t be the first time, nor probably the last, but that’s neither here nor there.) But aside from the doomed life I will most likely endure having read your book, you should be proud of this accomplishment.

You should feel doubly blessed, with my having written this letter of thanks and gratitude (or at least redundantly blessed, since thanks and gratitude are one and the same), and there should be no question concerning my sincerity in this matter. Why? Suffice it to say, I am not a fan of Troma. In fact, I have blasted your films more than once within the pages of my books and magazines. In fact, I would never have finished my book, The Gorehound’s Guide to Splatter Films, had I fully realized the breadth of this task, or--more precisely--the pain I would endure having to watch or re-watch almost every single Troma film in order to review them for this exhaustive reference. (This was how I wound up laying in an alleyway with a nosebleed from sniffing industrial solvents the first time around.) The only excursions I found more painful were Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, and any film starring Jon Mikl-Thor. As I am wont to opine, Troma is the bedsore on the ass of the horror genre. Well, of cinema, really, although I’ve always been more defensive of horror films. Of course, anyone who expects high art from a studio that specializes in tits and fart jokes is more deluded than, say, someone who pens the history of the splatter film and expects to walk away unscathed. Okay, maybe not. (Having sat through every slasher film from the 1980s, at least I can say that Troma’s outings are more imaginative, but that’s like trying to decide which is more repellant: dog shit or cat shit. Sure, one’s not as slimy, but there’s less of it. And now that my analogies are starting to sound like something you’d come up with, I think it’s best to cut this short.)

Despite the last paragraph, I didn’t write you to tell you just how stinky I think your films are. My opinion is moot, as are all. I simply wanted to illustrate just how sincere my thanks were, in light of my low opinion of your product. It wasn’t easy saying “damn fine job” to someone who is at east partly responsible for my excessive therapy bills. Okay, mostly responsible for my excessive therapy bills. If anyone besides friends and family ever see one of my films, I’ll be inclined to give you some credit for your inspiration. Of course, I’ll have to employ for you a pseudonym, you understand, as any associations with Troma will no doubt stain my reputation for good. But, hey, it’s the thought that counts.

Oh, and I guess I should thank you for Cannibal! The Musical and My Neighbor Totoro as well. Are you sure you’d rather not pursue distribution instead of directing? Just checking.

Sincerely,

Scott Aaron Stine

Author of The Gorehound’s Guide to Splatter Films of the 1960s & 1970s and The Gorehound’s Guide to Splatter Films of the 1980s

Publisher of GICK!, Trashfiend, Filthy Habits, and The Trashfiend’s Guide to Collecting Videotapes

P.S. Film stock is superior to videotape, and I hate you for sharing these views with me. Had you felt that video would suffice, so much celluloid would have been saved in your thirty years as a filmmaker. So much, in fact, that struggling filmmakers like myself probably could have scored on it for next to nothing and not had to settle with shooting on video. Damn you.

Dear Mr. Kaufman
First of all, how's it going? Haven't blown your brains out yet I hope. Please for the love of blood, guts and classic one liners don't do it man! Anyways my name is Bradley and I just finished reading your book Make Your Own Damn Movie! and truly enjoyed it. It provided a lot of great tips and inspiration which I desperately need right now. You see i have just recently moved to the massive city of Chicago (Fuck Ebert) from a tiny little shit-hole town in Maine called...Harmony (don't laugh...too hard). Why the big change? I love movies, I live for movies, they effect my mood and are what got me into school. Last summer I formed a small movie crew from my six cousins and using my 8mm made a small slasher movie called Sissy's Revenge. About a kid who gets fed up with being picked on and decides to fake his death only to come back and brutally slaughter the kids that made his life hell. It runs about 20 minutes and just barely makes any sense at all. But it helped me get into Columbia College and out of Maine. I'm not sure if moving here will help me shape my visions for the screen or show me first hand how impossible that notion is. But the fact is, i'm a huge fan of yours (I am the generation of the Toxic cartoon show) and reading your book made me jealous of every person working for Troma. The horrible sleeping conditions and long work hours are what I live for. I'm dirt poor in Chicago but would crawl through a field of artificial banana flavoring and monkey crap to get a chance to work for you. If you have some sort of headquarters or office in Chicago I'd love to help out on whatever project needs me. I noticed Chicago was not at the top of the list to get ones independent film seen but I'm here just the same. I'm here but running on vapors so any advice to help me get my face out there and meet other struggling film addicts would help me out greatly.

Thanks for your time.

Slippery,
Bradley LaB.

Dear Lloyd,
I enjoyed your book and recommended it to my Associate Producer. So you will have at least two sales from Barnes & Noble in Westwood, CA. I didn't want to give mine to him because I underlined so much of it. We are in pre-production on our movie, a wacky comedy, which will be shot with my brand new DV camera, a Sony PD-150, despite your favoring film. My play ran out here in Los Angeles several years ago starring Shelley Berman and now I want to try my hand in film. Thanks for the practical advice although I don't plan on running around Cannes in my underwear. I'll take you up on your offer of taking a look at the contract you have your slaves, er employees sign. If you have a copy of the actors' Release form, I'd love to see that as well. Incidentally, the best "How to" books are always written not by academics but by people like yourself who have been on the line for years. Thanks again for the enjoyable read.

Skip

Dear Mr. Asshole:
I had never seen a single Troma film in my entire life, but when I saw a book titled “Make Your Own Damn Movie!" in a bookstore, I knew I couldn’t resist buying my first ticket into the world that is Troma. The book is a hilarious read and I found myself aching to watch Troma films. The only problem was the fact that my shitty little town sucks. Out of four video stores, only one had any films directed by you, and it was not “The Toxic Avenger,” which seemed to me to be essential Troma viewing. So I rented “Tromeo and Juliet,” “Orgazmo,” and “Troll 2” instead to celebrate shitty low-budget cinema.

Being slightly unsatisfied, I had my parents order me the “Tox Box” for my birthday. It arrived and I immediately watched the masterpiece “The Toxic Avenger.” I feel inspired by the air of Troma and the excitement brought by all its fans. There’s nothing more amazing than a bunch of people being passionately involved with something.

I bought your book b/c it has been my lifelong goal to be a filmmaker. I just graduated from high school and I will be heading off to Boston University in the fall. I don’t want this email to be just another “fan letter.” I’m emailing you for… I don’t know… advice. Some bit of information you can give me… to help me with my career. Something that’s not found within the pages of your books or the commentary on one of your DVDs. If you could give me some advice, I’d appreciate it.

I'm ready to get the hell out of this vacuum and direct some films!

{nathan}

P.S. Maybe someday I can be a P.A. in the making of one of your films.

hey lloyd-
i just finished your book and i think i learned more from it than the 2yrs i wasted in film school or anything i ever read from pincus and ascher. i was a little jealous to find out that you were offering a class on the east coast based on your teachings. is there anything instore for us troma west students? keep up the good work!!!

---j*son!

Ok, so Lloyd promised to pleasure me, and give me free Troma stuff for writing this. Regardless, I have to say that "Make Your Own Damn Movie" is a masterpiece.

I was a bit aprehensive about getting this, since I only have a passing interest in making my own films. However, I am also an artist, and found that many of the sentiments that go into making movies also apply to other avenues of independant art. Just because one is not trying to compete in the film market does not mean that there is not valuable wisdom here for the independant musician or artist, and quite frankly just for the individual who lives a DIY lifestyle.

Fear not, those of you looking at this with a true desire to make your own films. There are countless techniques discussed in these pages. Discussions about cameras, types of film, casting, direction, distribution, etc. all abound in these pages. If I ever decide to pursue filmmaking, this is the book that would become my Bible.

Finally, all of you Troma fans should enjoy the personal stories about the Troma films discussed here. If you liked the personal narrative of Lloyd's first book, you will find much of this as a continuation of that, with details about Terror Firmer and Citizen Toxie, as well as other past Troma greats.

If you haven't purchased this book yet, I have only one question for you: WHY??? This is one of the best reads you are likely to find: entertaining, empowering, and resourceful.

Now, Let's Read!!!

Hello -
I sent the following review to www.amazon.com, though I don't think its been posted yet.

"No matter what you may think of Troma's movies (and certainly they're not for everyone), "Make Your Own Damn Movie" is a worthwhile read, even if you have no intention of ever making your own damn movie. In addition to being highly entertaining, it presents a detailed and complete discussion of the process of seat-of-your-pants filmmaking, even if your budget is only $200. The honest, no-BS writing, amazing true anecdotes, and informed (sometimes contradictory) opinions by other crew members make the idea of actually DOING it, actually making your own movie, seem tantalizingly within reach. And that is just what he hopes you will do, because on another level this book is a protest against mainstream Hollywood studios and their monopolistic stranglehold on the movie industry. Lloyd Kaufman is a hero to deviants everywhere."

Ever thought of trying to promote Troma or your book in Athens? There are plenty of deviants here - its sort of an oasis for deviants in Georgia.

Hope I did you justice-
Laura

Mr. Kaufman,
Hi Lloyd!!! I´m Antonio from Valencia (Spain). The last time we talked was in La Mostra de Valencia. Festival de Cine Mediterraneo, the last december, where I gave you my magazine Flash-Back, and we took these tromatic photographs, and before in several festivals as Sitges, San Sebastian, Imagfic, etc... As I told you I want to edit your first book (All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger) in spanish, and i wanted to know which are your conditions for to obtain the rights for your text for a short edition (1500 ex. more o less) with an essay about Troma. (and remember, I´m a little, little, little, little editor... ;-) ) If you want to know some special thing about me and Flash-Back tell me, please... I´m veeeery interesting to publish this book.

Antonio B

Lloyd,
Thank you very much for agreeing to let me interview you. I am very excited and look forward to our conversation.

In preparaing for the interview, I have read your two books. Besides owning the copies, I found that they were also located in the Special Collections section of the Michigan State University Library! Yes, they are locked away in a section where you need special permission to access. The reason, I was told...."those books are unique and special and must be kept under lock and key because of damage and theft concerns." I though you might get a hoot out of that.

Sincerely,

Jeff H

Mr. Kaufman,
I've been a fan of Troma's for a long time, ever since I saw the toxic avenger and started buying up your movies like mad. As a film student that loves movies that aren't the same as everything else, this movies were a gem to me. A year or so back I ordered your book "Everything I learned about movies..." I loved it. So about two weeks back I was looking in the film studies section of my campus bookstore. Sadly, I was looking through and all I saw was the same old boring crap written by people who either haven't made a movie, or has the corporate dick shoved firmly in their ass or their mouth. Then I happened upon your book "Make Your Own Damn Movie". I grabbed it immediately and made a beeline for the counter. Using the money that was supposed to be for texts books, I bought your book. I've read it front to back and I love it. It has to be the best book about making movies that I've ever read. I've had to have recommended it to about twenty different people. Now I'm not sure if anyone listened to my rantings and ravings about rat shit and making your actors eat cheese sandwiches, but I think I got through to a few of my friends. I even now want to become a graduate student just so I can teach a class using your book as the text book. I must say, you are an inspiration to a film student on the verge of graduating. It has always seemed next to impossible to make a movie, but now I see that there are lots of ways to do it, but you have to do it. Thank you Mr. Kaufman. I'll keep buying your movies and anything else you put out.

Frank T

Wayne S

P.S. That Alison Deck on page 260 is incredible! Where can I see more of her?

P.S. the Citizen Toxie DVD kicks major fucking ass

best wishes
Ian McA

Regards your huge dispute with Trent over whether to film on video or film why have you considered video only so far as 'DV'... what about Beta? It is the broadcast standard recording medium in most of the world and most TV shows are filmed on Beta. Also why have you omitted 'Grading' from your post-production chapter. Editing on AVID one can add any number of grading effects which when applied to Beta recorded material can make footage appear exactly like film?? Don't come back to me with some crap about Beta being an expensive form of video because most DP's who might be available to work on a lo budget film are more n likely to own a Beta camera than a film camera...

Also I have emailed Rob Sunderman about giving you a copy of a feature film I made called 'Trailer Trash the movie" which was inspired by my love of Troma movies (in particular the way you present your trailers).. being UK we are mastered to PAL and he tells me you don't have any PAL playing DVD machines.. this is a crock of shit Lloyd as I really would like you all at Troma to see this crap as I am about to start pre for a Zombie Safari feature film and need (hopefully) a good review of Trailer Trash from you so I can bullshit potential investors that we have international recognition...

I hope you are in good health and can find the time to get back to me...

Warmest regards,
Andy