All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I Learned From The Toxic Aven (Paperback)

"I wanted to eat them, dream them, put them in an eyedropper and let them sink into my optic nerve."

This is a perfect example of the type of narrative banter that exemplifies Lloyd's love of film from his early days at Yale to the introdution and hiring of James Gunn. (Mr. Gunn wrote screenplay for Tromeo and Juliet.) I haven't had this much fun reading since Kenneth Stars manuscript was released over the net. Each chapter details true and, on occasion, pretentious tales of Lloyds indiana Jones-ish adventures in filmmaking. When it comes to shooting a film Lloyd is king of budgetary restriction. His thoughts funnell down to details on how to cut corners, save money by working around Unions. He also mentions instances where he shot a film without the use of location permits. Throughout the book Lloyd relates to his early achievements, Sugar Cookies -(released on DVD June 29th 2004)and potential disasters, Battle of Loves Return and Squeeze Play - (Just bought an original One Sheet. Hot chicks on the poster) He explains how critics first viewed these opuses as cow dung. Lloyd also explains how Lady Luck turned his movies into classic cult favorites. Lloyd emphasizes to young potential filmmakers that it may not only take one opportunity, such as a hungry movie theatre owner looking for that one film to fill its open time slot, to get exposure. Miss Luck granted Lloyd a few of these opportunities. This gave adiences a taste of his cinematic experimentalism. Lloyd also explains the importance of video, relating to how independent films can be released through this less expensive medium. Lloyd explains a key factor to his success is hooking the savvy moviegoers with obscure, obscene and over the top craziness portraid in his films. With a success here and a success there the money started to flow. Once the money flowed Lloyd along with his partner Michael Herz created Troma Studios, the largest independent studio in the world.
Lloyd's creativity stems from many years of film inspirations and partly because he experienced many of lifes lessions working on other productions. (He worked as Line producer, location manager, production manager for films such as Rocky, Saturday Night Fever and Final Countdown - Final Countdown is released on DVD by Blue Underground) Through these experiences Lloyd was able to learn many short cuts to save money, time and manpower to complete his Troma produced films.
While reading through his book I began to affiliate his experiences and personalize them with mine. I really enjoyed everything Lloyd had to share. His book does not get into exact detail on how to make a film but Lloyd emphasizes a very important message for young filmmakers.

Lloyd states, "A filmmaker needs to have an idea, keep going and never give up. The odds may be stacked against the filmmaker but be creative, be genuine and honest with yourself."

Besides being very entertaining, Lloyds book is a major inspiration for the "little guy." Lloyd was defeated in almost every imaginable way. He overcame all obstacles and made Troma what it is today. The Toxic Avenger stands for bravery, honesty, one who will stick up for the "little guy", and one who will not bow down to the megaconglomerate. Every fimmaker should read this book to acquire an inspiration to never give up, keep fighting those obstacles and get your vision across and complete your film. Pat Kaufman, Lloyds wife, summed up the moral of his book in one sentence.

"Lloyd is Toxie, he is honest, he is on to stick up for his beliefs. Lloyd Kaufman is the Toxic Avenger of filmmaking."

In my opinion I decided this book should have an alternate title.

I believe Lloyd Kaufman really wanted to say, "All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I Learned From Lloyd Kaufman, the Toxic Avenger of Filmmaking."

the book is an amazingly well written look into the world of tromaville , a world worth living in. lloyd talks about his obstacles in film making , his visions he couldn't escape until he makes his film and quite a bit of wonderful advice for any one wanting to make a movie. i've learned a lot about troma , lloyd kaufman and film making.

Llyod kaufman actually suceeded in making a book that can keep up with the amaing movies of troma. the flow of the book makes it harder to sit down then most books. a wonderful slab of tree that would be a perfect addition to any ones book collection !