AN INTERVIEW WITH LLOYD KAUFMAN
01.08.07
A man who needs no introduction, Lloyd Kaufman is one of the luminaries of the horror genre. Among his many feats in the area of cinema, Kaufman co-founded the production company Troma with Michael Herz, which provided inspiration for directors such as Peter Jackson, Sam Raimi and Quentin Tarantino, as well as kick-starting the careers of South Park writer/director/producers Matt Stone and Trey Parker. Lloyd was kind enough to grant MJ Reviews an exclusive interview, where he talks about Troma, Toxie and zombified chickens.First of all, for the benefit of those who haven't an affinity to cult films, give us a brief history of Troma Entertainment.
Troma Entertainment is the longest running fully independent film studio still running to this day. We pride ourselves on our rampant crusade of independence and we have made it our mission to deliver both entertainment and poignancy han
d-in-hand. We are the creators of The Toxic Avenger, the birth parents of Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D, the adopted guardians of Cannibal! The Musical, and most recently the egg-bearers of Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead. Enjoy our movies or not, Troma is a company that has been around for more than thirty years and we show no signs of stopping. We make the movies that need to be made and we try to do the best damn job we can. Our films, low budget or not, have always been at the forefront of modern cinema. Many popular directors of today got their start at Troma or point to Troma for inspiration. Simply, the history of Troma is a history of independence and hard work.
What got you into the filmmaking business?
d-in-hand. We are the creators of The Toxic Avenger, the birth parents of Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D, the adopted guardians of Cannibal! The Musical, and most recently the egg-bearers of Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead. Enjoy our movies or not, Troma is a company that has been around for more than thirty years and we show no signs of stopping. We make the movies that need to be made and we try to do the best damn job we can. Our films, low budget or not, have always been at the forefront of modern cinema. Many popular directors of today got their start at Troma or point to Troma for inspiration. Simply, the history of Troma is a history of independence and hard work.What got you into the filmmaking business?
Well, my original life plan didn’t exactly include filmmaking. At Yale I was enrolled in the Chinese studies program and intended to pursue a career in that field. However, when I got to Yale I met two friends who got me hooked on the world of cinema. Then after they exposed me to the medium I said, “Hey, I should make a film”. And I did, and the rest is history.
There's no doubt that Troma's biggest hit was The Toxic Avenger, which arguably paved the way for the horror-comedy and gross-out humor subgenres. What set you going on the project?
There's no doubt that Troma's biggest hit was The Toxic Avenger, which arguably paved the way for the horror-comedy and gross-out humor subgenres. What set you going on the project?
Well, Troma movies always have to be a blend of entertainment and truth. The inspiration for the Toxic Avenger came from my growing concerns with pollution and environmental conservation. Once I got my head spinning on the subject I naturally created the Toxic Avenger! In terms of the entertainment, my style is simple: give people what they want to see. And, as it so happens, people like to see nudity, violence, and comedy—so voila!1989 saw the release of The Toxic Avengers Part II and III, which weren't as well received as the original. Do you have thoughts as to why fans didn't accept these two films?
No. It doesn’t make any sense. Those two movies were gold
. They must have been too far ahead of their time—too high-concept. I jest—but in all seriousness I can’t say exactly why some people may not have liked them as much. As with any medium of entertainment movies are hit or miss. I guess for some people, these movies were just misses. However, let it be said that there are a lot of people who love these movies!
In 1999, you directed Terror Firmer, which I personally think is Troma's best film and one of the finest examples of exploitation ever made. The violence and sleaze was bigger and better here than in any of your previous films. Was it your intention to outdo yourself after each picture?
Absolutely, if you don’t set your sights high then what’s the purpose? My goal is always to make a movie that was better than the ones before it. I always say that the best film school is making films, so with every film I make I should be learning something. Thus, it seems ridiculous not to set out with the goal of outdoing yourself. If I have truly learned something from every film I make, then every film I make should be better than the ones before it.
You directed Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV in 2000, which was considered one of Troma's all-time classics on a par with the original. What made you revisit Toxie eleven years on?
. They must have been too far ahead of their time—too high-concept. I jest—but in all seriousness I can’t say exactly why some people may not have liked them as much. As with any medium of entertainment movies are hit or miss. I guess for some people, these movies were just misses. However, let it be said that there are a lot of people who love these movies!In 1999, you directed Terror Firmer, which I personally think is Troma's best film and one of the finest examples of exploitation ever made. The violence and sleaze was bigger and better here than in any of your previous films. Was it your intention to outdo yourself after each picture?
Absolutely, if you don’t set your sights high then what’s the purpose? My goal is always to make a movie that was better than the ones before it. I always say that the best film school is making films, so with every film I make I should be learning something. Thus, it seems ridiculous not to set out with the goal of outdoing yourself. If I have truly learned something from every film I make, then every film I make should be better than the ones before it.You directed Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV in 2000, which was considered one of Troma's all-time classics on a par with the original. What made you revisit Toxie eleven years on?
Well, quite honestly it seemed to be a movie that needed to be made. The story was a good story and for it not to be made would have disappointing. I guess it was a way of telling to Toxie fans out there that we weren’t satisfied with how the series ended. It was a chance to rekindle the original spirit of the franchise.
Tell us a little bit about Poultrygeist.
Poultrygeist is easily one of the best Troma films to date. It is the first fas
t-food-related-chicken-zombie-comedy-horror-musical ever (something we in the industry call a FFRCZCHM). It follows the tale of the “American Chicken Bunker”, a sleazy low-grade chicken shack, and the young employee, Arbie, that tries to right its wrongs. The film was inspired by Tromaville’s unwelcome neighbor, McDonalds, who decided to move in next door to Troma studios and bring with it an entire society of basement-dwelling, Troma-merchandise-eating super-dog-sized rats. Naturally, a movie was our only way of fighting back.
Personally, how do you feel Poultrygeist stands up against the Troma classics?
Tell us a little bit about Poultrygeist.
Poultrygeist is easily one of the best Troma films to date. It is the first fas
t-food-related-chicken-zombie-comedy-horror-musical ever (something we in the industry call a FFRCZCHM). It follows the tale of the “American Chicken Bunker”, a sleazy low-grade chicken shack, and the young employee, Arbie, that tries to right its wrongs. The film was inspired by Tromaville’s unwelcome neighbor, McDonalds, who decided to move in next door to Troma studios and bring with it an entire society of basement-dwelling, Troma-merchandise-eating super-dog-sized rats. Naturally, a movie was our only way of fighting back.Personally, how do you feel Poultrygeist stands up against the Troma classics?
Poultrygeist doesn’t have to stand up against the classics, because it is a Troma classic. I really think Troma pulled together on this one and delivered a movie that is a gem in the Troma collection. Some may say it shares the title of best (with who else, you’ll have to decide yourselves). However, if you are skeptical, I suggest you see the movie and decide for yourself! Keep your eyes on http://www.troma.com/ for updates about Poultrygeist or http://www.poultrygeistmovie.com/ !
In Australia, many Troma films encounter censorship problems – the DVD extra The Troma Intelligence Test and the film Mother's Day remain banned, with about a dozen only recently released uncut. What's your view on censorship?
I hate censorship, obviously, and I think it is stupid to censor things people want to see. It is also a little hypocritical of these censors to let a lot of the mainstream garbage go through the system unfiltered, while a small company like Troma gets pounded on a movie-to-movie basis for stupid details. I say, let the free market decide what people see and don’t see. If the viewer doesn’t like something they can turn it off. There is no need to tell viewers what they want to see.
What do you look for when distributing a film for Troma?
Originality, creativity, attitude, daringness, and most importantly sheer unbridled entertainment! Breasts, violence, and comedy aren’t bad either. Really, Troma acquisitions are all unique and there really isn’t a formula you can follow. The closest thing to a formula that scientists have devised for Troma movies is: (breasts + explosions)^comedy = good
What's your favourite Lloyd Kaufman film?
I make videos of myself at night. I really enjoy those. Asking me to choose between my films is like asking me to abandon one of my children (…which I would never do, if you weren’t sure).
Do you have any other film projects on the horizon?
In Australia, many Troma films encounter censorship problems – the DVD extra The Troma Intelligence Test and the film Mother's Day remain banned, with about a dozen only recently released uncut. What's your view on censorship?
I hate censorship, obviously, and I think it is stupid to censor things people want to see. It is also a little hypocritical of these censors to let a lot of the mainstream garbage go through the system unfiltered, while a small company like Troma gets pounded on a movie-to-movie basis for stupid details. I say, let the free market decide what people see and don’t see. If the viewer doesn’t like something they can turn it off. There is no need to tell viewers what they want to see.What do you look for when distributing a film for Troma?
Originality, creativity, attitude, daringness, and most importantly sheer unbridled entertainment! Breasts, violence, and comedy aren’t bad either. Really, Troma acquisitions are all unique and there really isn’t a formula you can follow. The closest thing to a formula that scientists have devised for Troma movies is: (breasts + explosions)^comedy = good
What's your favourite Lloyd Kaufman film?
I make videos of myself at night. I really enjoy those. Asking me to choose between my films is like asking me to abandon one of my children (…which I would never do, if you weren’t sure).
Do you have any other film projects on the horizon?
Right now the most important thing is getting Poultrygeist its much-deserved attention. It takes a lot of work to get a film like Poultrygeist shown in theaters and I am spending all of my time right now making sure that happens. Beyond that, I am also looking for the screenplay to my next film. I have no idea what it will be, but as long as it stays true to Troma, there shouldn’t be a problem! The future is always bright for Troma—whether that brightness is the fires of hell or a sunny future, I have no idea…. but it’s bright nonetheless!
Finally, Lloyd, all that remains is to thank you very much for your time. You're a bona fide horror icon and we are looking forward to Poultrygeist when it gets a DVD release.
Thank YOU! Stay Tromatized!
Finally, Lloyd, all that remains is to thank you very much for your time. You're a bona fide horror icon and we are looking forward to Poultrygeist when it gets a DVD release.
Thank YOU! Stay Tromatized!
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