Rating: 
Summary: Even If You Don't Appreciate Troma, This Is Required Reading
Review: I am not and never have been a fan of Troma's films. That said, I cannot recommend this book enough. Aside from the interest it will hold for fans of The Toxic Avenger and his over-the-top cinematic siblings, this more than worthy follow-up to All I Need to Know bout Filmmaking I Learned From the Toxic Avenger (1998) has a multi-faceted appeal. First, to those interested in the making of independent films, and second to those interested in actually making independent films. For the former, Mr. Kaufman offers amusing, often laugh-out-loud behind-the-scenes anecdotes that low budget film enthusiasts will find engaging. For the latter, the book will prove to be an indispensable primer for the aspiring filmmaker who wishes to take his or her backyard movies to the next level.Kaufman's wit and intelligence and talents as a storyteller may be-to some-belied by many of his films, but here it shines through, in spite of his penchant for gutter humor. The man's love and enthusiasm for filmmaking is refreshing in a market dominated by Hollywood blockbusters whose visions-if they had any to begin with-have been diluted by the corporate mentality. Furthermore, his brutal honesty and lack of pretensions make it easy to see why Kaufman, as a personality, is gaining something of a cult following. Being an aspiring filmmaker myself, I have read countless books on the craft, but Make Your Own Damn Movie! not only offers practical information I have not found elsewhere, it also draws upon Kaufman's skills as a guerilla filmmaker to prepare the enthusiast for some of the many things that can go wrong on a shoot, or hinder a production even getting off the ground. Despite what one may think of his films, his thirty years in the business have not been wasted. Best of all, this book is the first I have found that is truly inspirational, despite the author's attempts to downplay it's worth as such. Eclipsed only by Roger Corman, Kaufman can lay claim to be the driving force behind the second longest running independent studio in America, and the fact that he not only accomplished this with the most limited of means, but has also stuck to his guns all these years is a trait that many frustrated filmmakers will find encouraging and exhilarating. Aside from the aforementioned proclivity for "colorful" humor, my only complaint with this book as a whole is that is so engrossing, the reader will probably have consumed the book in a matter of hours, and feel cheated despite the fact that it contains more valuable information than any other book of its ilk. On a technical level, many of the asides from contributing writers Adam Jahnke and Trent Haaga are printed as fine white text on a solid black background, which I found migraine-inducing if they lasted more than a page, and made me eager to get back to Kaufman's main text even though they were also engaging and informative. But these are very small gripes indeed in light of the book's accomplishments, and thus fairly moot. Required reading to anyone who actually gives a damn about film, and highly recommended for anyone who simply wants a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Great guide to anti-corporate, group-think filmmaking
Review: Lloyd Kaufman's book is full of scatalogical and outrageous humor but is also a great guide to producing independent movies without falling into the kind of homogenized, formulaic Hollywood movie we've all come to know and loathe. He rages against the corporate control of the movie industry and makes it clear that it is a tough row to hoe trying to get independent product into devil-worshipping conglomerate owned chains like Blockbuster and most theatre chains as well. However amidst the invective and the fart jokes are inpsiring ideas on how to adapt to changing circumstances that crop up during your shoot, the importance of planning and ideas for publicizing your movies in opposition to the multi-million dollar juggernauts pushing thier pablum-movies through every available medium. The key idea running through this book is getting it done, one way or the other. And it's funny! Don't read it if you worship Speilberg, however.
Rating:
Summary: A Damn fine book
Review: Lloyd Kaufman's latest masterpiece isn't a film...it's this book, which gives an amatuer film maker the high's and low's of independent film making. As a film maker myself, I found myself reliving movie making moments of my own, since Lloyd describes his stories and memories in such vivid detail. And Trent Hagga does a great job as well, complimenting Lloyd's words and advice with some of his own.
Whether you want to make your own damn movie or not, this is a great read, and comes highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: the bible for the beginning renegade filmmakers
Review: This book is great all the qeustions you have of making movies is in this book.
I was once a fool but now no more. Thanks to this book and it is very funny and much advice to
It gave me a bigger horizone to look at.
Just buy the DAMN book!!! it`s wort it every penny
Rating: 
Summary: Cult Director Criticizes Film Culture
Review: Before reading this book, I had never heard of Lloyd Kaufman, Tromaville or the Toxic Avenger. Now I feel like he and all his crazy characters are family. And why not? You've got to love a guy who in the acknowledgments writes, "No thanks to: Viacom, New Corp, Vivendi, AOL Time Warner, Sony and other devil-worshipping international media conglomerates." He is a modern day Don Quixote. A rare bird, indeed. "Make Your Own Damn Movie," sounds like a call to action but it really isn't. For that reason, I gave this book four stars. Kaufman writes knowledgeably about how independent theaters, studios, and filmmakers are being squeezed out by consolidation - where Viacom owns Blockbuster, Paramount Pictures, Simon & Schuster Publishers, along with TV, cable and other media - basically all the channels of distribution and publicity in the marketplace. This book contains witty, subversive, smart and useful information, but to what purpose if the outlook is so bleak? Kaufman closes his book with "sometimes lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for." That's hardly the call to action I thought I'd be reading. He clearly sees himself and his work as being a dying breed. This is a horror director who has written a tragedy. Has it come down to that for this innovative, dynamic and vivacious film pioneer? If you are an aspiring filmmaker, this is an excellent autobiography about a 25-year veteran of independent films. But if you're looking for the nuts and bolts of filmmaking or a rah, rah you can do it tract, you may want to consider other material.
Rating:
Summary: Indie Filmmaking Crash Course
Review: Without no fear, lactose, or fancy shamcy Lloyd provides the best insight for the independent filmmaker. From A-Z you'll learn the nuts and bolts of making a film and getting enough laughs from his own previous experiences. Don't rob yourself of this valuable opportunity if you desire to become an independent filmmaker
Rating:
Summary: I have never seen a Troma film I liked but...
Review: That doesn't mean you won't enjoy this book or Lloyd Kaufman's exhaustive, yet candid, funny and didactic conversation of the movie making business. If you've ever wanted to make a film or better yet have, then you will discover that you and Lloyd Kaufman share the same passion and probably the same headaches. There are loads of useful ideas and detailed horror stories that I have and look forward to experiencing myself and for anyone crazy enough to do what a lot of people say they're going to do but never do. This book is definately worth it's Amazon price (which is cheaper than a round trip cab fare to your NYC film school class). It's definately worth your time!
Rating:
Summary: The only film book you'll ever need to buy!!
Review: By far the most entertaining film book of all time, Lloyd Kaufman uses his humor and own experience to break down the industry and to provide basic instruction on how to make your own film. As a film student, I've read myself to death of every manual and text I could find, but never have I been able to learn so much from one book. Lloyd Kaufman's MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN MOVIE! not only separates each movie-making stage into easy layperson terminology for anyone outside the industry, but maintains its audience through his own film anecdote interjectors and jocosity. His own experiences accentuate and define the problems that you, the filmmaker, will most likely also endure while providing a little insight into his own cinematic psychology. Likewise, Lloyd releases the secret technology behind his low-budget film history in an attempt to assist the independent filmmaker any way possible. Accompanied with subtexts provided from his (sometimes) supportive and arduous TROMA staff, MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN MOVIE! proves that independent filmmaking is possible on any level. Riddled with both positive and negative commentary, it provides a fresh illustration on what actually happens (or what should happen) behind the scenes. As TROMA has become an icon of independence with fans around the world, this book should also be held in the same respect. Lloyd Kaufman has forever carved a celluloid chip out of Hollywood, changing it for the better for every up and coming filmmaker. With the likes of Roger Corman, Kevin Smith, Sam Rami, and Robert Rodriguez, Kauffman has also paved the way for others with his creative style and thinking. His book runs in accordance with the workings of his company TROMA, who has supported independent films for the last 30 years. His knowledge is as invaluable as the movies he provides us with, and any film student or anyone interested in film in general would only benefit from his cinema wisdom.
Rating:
Summary: In My Opinion
Review: Make Your Own Damn Movie has to be the best, most insightful book on film making I've read, although I have yet to read Mr. Kaufmann's first book. While being both incredibly insightful, as well as extremely hilarious, Mr. Kaufmann doesn't try to sugar coat the experience of making a film, and truly prepares you for what to expect. Other books just tell you how to set up a perfect shot, often times using terms they assume you already know. Mr. Kaufmann breaks it down for anyone, so anybody can truly make there own damn movie, and he does it in a very entertaining way. I recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Not just for filmmakers or Tromaville Citizens
Review: 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!!!
|
