Rating: 
Summary: Creative and Mind Blowing
Review: 336 pages, 75,000 words and completly mind blowing is Lloyd Kaufmans book. It is a masterpiece of satire, humorous anecdotes and a harangue towards megaconglomerate Hollywood buffoons. Lloyd weaves the reader through very descriptive, entertaining and historic dialogue concerning the beginnings of Lloyds film fetish, to the infancy and future of Troma studios. "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."
Rating:
Summary: Very funny/eye opening stories about Lloyd Kaufman and Troma
Review: Despite its advertising, this is not really a "how to make independent film" book, rather it gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most successful independent film companies around today. The opening chapter entails a day in the life at the Troma. The details of the calamity seem to be very exagerated, but I subseqeuntly discovered (from valid sources) that that's how it really is there. Mr. Kaufman (co-founder of Troma along with Michael Herz) is a fine story teller. He talks about how Troma started, first aquiring low budget films, then venturing out to make their own. He explains the necessity of always keeping your film crews fed (witness his account on his filming of Troma's War), the execution of those crazy and dangerous stunts, and those beautiful, big breasted women, or Tromettes, for those in th know. Mr. Kaufman comes across as a nice guy who's driven to make movies no matter what, even it that means losing your mind and temper along the way. Many of the movies they release (of the horror, sex comedy, action adventure variety) are admittedly not very good, but there are some that have wit and heart such as THE TOXIC AVENGER and TROMEO & JULIET that shows that TROMA is a force to be reckoned with. It's a very fast read. My only complaint is that there were not enough stories, but the ones presented were pure, unadulterated, Troma. Big boobies and all.
Rating:
Summary: Lloyd Kaufman's book is as hilarious as his movies!
Review: I'm a long-time Troma fan, but I can honestly say that anyone with a good sense of humor will enjoy this book. It works under the front of being a "how-to" book, which it succeeds at being to some extent, but it really focuses on the life of Lloyd Kaufman. From his humble beginning at Yale trying to cram as many breasts as possible into one film, to 20 years later and still trying to cram in as many breasts as possible, Lloyd has had a hilarious and fun life. He might make some of the sickest movies available, but Lloyd has a ton of honor and dedication to his craft. Anyone who likes good sarcasm and wit will love this book, as will any aspiring film makers that need a little inspiration. If anything Lloyd proves that anyone can succeed if they try hard enough. Buy his book - you won't be disappointed! A must-have for Troma fans, not to mention anyone else who wants a good story and a good laugh.
Rating:
Summary: A book that actually inspires while being fun to read
Review: Troma may be known for schlock than education but that's the wrong way to look at it. This book isn't exactly a how-to book as much as a memoir showing that a guy, whose interest in movies stareted in his college dorm room, can 30 years later be in charge of the oldest independant film studio in the world then anyone can do it. Obviously this book will be more interesting to Troma fans because it references some older Troma classics. But if you are reading this book you are probably an aspiring film maker and you should take a look at "Tromeo and Juliet" or "Citizen Toxie" to see what else is out there aside from studio style films. Lloyd's commentary ranges from hilarious to heartwarming. Everyone with an interest in independant film should read this book. Now!
Rating:
Summary: A True Legend
Review: From his first film, The Battle of Love's Return, to his work as a production manager on films like Rocky and Saturday Night Fever, to the founding of Troma, Lloyd Kaufman' story is one of hope, inspiration and masturbatory fantasies, It is a must read.
P.S. Lloyd has written a Toxic Avenger novel, but can't find a publisher, start the protests at once.
Rating:
Summary: Funny but useful
Review: Don't take that $1,000 how to make a movie course at your local community college. Don't waste your time trying to do it without any idea of what the hell you're doing. Instead read this book and then read Make Your Own Damn Movie from the same author. Lloyd Kaufman is not only one damn fine film maker he is one damn fine author. The right blend of humor and anecdotes along with useful information will keep you glued to the pages. Not just the glue on the pages.
Really, my only complaint is that the binding on this one collapses into some sort of gelatinous goo after about the 12th reading here in the Florida sun. I reccomend buying a second copy for use as reference while filming your no-budget masterpiece.
I said it in my review of Make Your Own Damn Movie. If these books can get me off my fat lazy butt and into filmaking they will so work for you.
Rating:
Summary: He tells it like it is...
Review: This book is really for everyone. If you want to make films or already make millions of zillions of dollars you can get a laugh out of this. Kaufman is hillarious, just be sure to have a sense of humor.
If you are interested in making films you can learn from this book. There are two ways to learn actually, and Lloyd points them out. You can follow what he says and maybe become a sucessful independent film maker or do the exact opposite and become a corporate suck face. It's up to you and what type of films you want to make. Some may want to be that guy who did Jaws, or maybe being the next Lloyd Kaufman is good enough.
For a Troma fan this book will give you insight on how Troma got where it is, (which it's up to you to judge whether it's a good place or not). Ultimately it really shows how one company can take a lot of crap and keep dishing out what they feel to be good work.
As a fan and a wanna-be film maker I found this to be a great book. Thanks Lloyd.
Rating: 
Summary: I hate Lloyd Kaufman
Review: Over a hundred reviews.. you have all been played and are too dumb to know it.
"All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger: The Shocking True Story of Troma Studios"
If you are a big fan of kaufman and Troma films you will love this book. If you are researching Independent Filmmaking this book just plain sucks. The first few chapters panders to Kaufman's audience with stupid insipid humor. But instead of going through the filter of a production crew you find how much of a JERK he is.
The point that everyone seems to miss is Kaufman is his own worse enemy. Why learn from a loser? I mean Roger Corman IS the man that invented the last 30 years of movies. You can even trace Star Wars to Corman..
What is there to learn from a Jerk like Kaufman? It as if The Toxic Avenger franchise make him and he went out of his way to kill it.
In the end.. Awwwww Video Rental stores are not so starved for anything VIDEO. So NO MORE Troma.
Read the book. Do you want to work for Lloyd? Have this jerk throw you cold pizza on a 18 hour shoot?
Lloyd Kaufman the man who still edits his movies on 1950 editing machines?
..sigh
Rating:
Summary: The Story Of Troma Studios
Review: The truly inspiring story of the 30 year old independant studio, Troma, is told by Its president and creater of the Toxic Avenger, Lloyd Kaufman. Informative and entertaining tome is a must read for all fim buffs and anyone intrested in how truly independent films are made.I also recommend Mr.Kaufman's otther books Make Your Own Damn Movie and the fourth coming Toxic Avenger novelization
Rating:
Summary: Shameless and Brilliant
Review: I've read A LOT of 'self help' books as well as film 'how-to's' in my time but never before had I read any single piece of literature that was both. Lloyd shows us that 1) no matter how twisted the dream, it can come true. 2) Anybody (and I do be ANYBODY) with a bit of 'hutzpa' and a lot of energy can make a film and 3) If you're lucky, have good friends and surround yourself with great people, you too can be a famous film maker!
Bravo Lloyd... The only thing better would have been if you had an anecdote about "Dubbya" and why he wasn't in "The Girl Who Returned".
BTW... Everyone who is anyone knows that the Toxic Avenger novel is being shopped around even as we speak. I'd be hard pressed to believe that SOMEONE hasn't already picked it up. Let's face it, strange times call for strange heroes. Who better than Toxie to lead us out of our quagmire and back into some self respect... even if we are a bunch of mutants...
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