Lloyd Kaufman interviewed on The Treatment

Lloyd Kaufman is a director, producer, screenwriter, and sometimes actor. Originally set to be a social worker, and majoring in Chinese studies at Yale; Kaufman was turned on to film in the late 60's by film students he had befriended. In 1974 he started up Troma Entertainment along Michael Herz; and together they have written, directed, and produced hundreds of movies under the Troma name. His most popular movies include The Toxic Avenger series, Class of Nuke 'Em High, and Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead; all of which are well known in the independent movie world as violent, comedic, and ultra low budget movies.

May 27th, 2009

Lloyd Kaufman is a humorous man. During his interview, he jokes a lot, and at times has to be interrupted by the host, Elvis Mitchell, who has to remind him that the interview is on public radio and some of the saucy jokes Lloyd is about to say might be a little too much. Interestingly enough, the majority of his jokes all seem to be out of bitter resentment and animosity towards the larger movie studios, of which he feels he have helped in "financially blacklisting" him. Most of what he says is in jest though, and he seems genuinely happy to be a fervent supporter of independent cinema and other filmmakers like him. He also mentions his fondness for helping out first time directors, and willingness to act in their movies.

A point Kaufman sets out to make almost instantly, is the fact that in both large studio productions, and smaller productions, much less concern is about the movie itself, it's story, and artistic merit. "Don't make meetings, make movies" he states. His distaste in how more than half of a movie's production can be wasted away on conferences and office meetings on topics such as "will the movie be commercially viable" or "will the masses get it?" Instead, he wants film makers to concern themselves with expressing themselves as they please, and forget about whether or not people will get it or not. I could not agree with this more; as I believe making a movie should be about enjoying what you do, and expressing yourself; not worrying about not pleasing everyone; and this is exactly what he's getting at. He also continues by stating "it's very difficult to do that, if you're trying to impress eleven different producers"

Another point he drills at, is the idea that nobody is above anybody else on his sets. Actors, producers, directors, camera men; they are all on the same level on his movies. "Everybody's equal" he states. The idea is, nobody get's an inflated ego, nobody kisses up to anyone else, and everyone pulls there weight without any sort of hitch. This is something I feel would probably work wonders in mainstream Hollywood. How many times have we heard these stories of Prima donna's that cause a scene on set, and then refuse to work unless they get their way? Would they still be acting that way if they were treated like everyone else?

The final and last points he made are by large and far the most true, and for someone like me, the most influential. "You can literally make your own damn movie for no money...and you should make your own damn movie for nothing" he states before continuing with "you don't have to be rich anymore" and lastly "you can make a feature length film for literally nothing". I agree, and definitely see what he's getting at. Huge budgets and expensive equipment isn't necessary anymore. In this technical age wherein all computers come with a standard video editing tool, and even our phones have video cameras in them; there really is no reason not to at the very least; experiment with movie making.

What Lloyd Kaufman brings to the table; is exactly what I'd like to see more of in the movie industry. (or should I say, the outskirts of the movie industry?) He tells it like it is; pleasing both himself, and his long time fans. By self producing his work, and avoiding major Hollywood producers, he can be as creatively open as he wants to be. He admits, it's not an easy road, but it's possible. In this age, when film school seems almost pointless and the studios are still one or two steps behind; it's up to the upcoming and new generation of film makers to go out there, and like Kaufman say's, make our own damn movies.