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...Your Own Damn Movie!
Make Your Own Damn Movie!: Secrets of a Renegade Director
Lloyd Kaufman, the writer/producer/director of such cult-classic films as The Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke 'Em High, and Tromeo and Juliet, offers a guide to movie-making unlike any other available anywhere. In 25 years, Kaufman, along with partner Michael Herz, has built Troma Studios up from a company struggling to find its voice in a field crowded with competitors to its current--and legendary--status as a lone survivor, a bastion of true cinematic independence, and the world's greatest collection of camp on film.
As entertaining and funny as it is informative and insightful, Make Your Own Damn Movie! places Kaufman's radically low-budget, independent-studio style of filmaking directly in the reader's hands. Thus we learn how to: develop and write a knock-out screenplay; raise funding; find locations and cast actors; hire a crew; obtain equipment, permits, and music rights (all for little or no money); make incredible special effects for $0.79 each; charm, schmooze, and network while on the film-festival circuit; and, finally, make a bad actor act so bad it's actually good.
From scriptwriting and directing to financing and marketing, this book is brimming with utterly off-the-wall, decidedly maverick, yet consistently proven advice on how to fully develop one's idea for an independent film.
As entertaining and funny as it is informative and insightful, Make Your Own Damn Movie! places Kaufman's radically low-budget, independent-studio style of filmaking directly in the reader's hands. Thus we learn how to: develop and write a knock-out screenplay; raise funding; find locations and cast actors; hire a crew; obtain equipment, permits, and music rights (all for little or no money); make incredible special effects for $0.79 each; charm, schmooze, and network while on the film-festival circuit; and, finally, make a bad actor act so bad it's actually good.
From scriptwriting and directing to financing and marketing, this book is brimming with utterly off-the-wall, decidedly maverick, yet consistently proven advice on how to fully develop one's idea for an independent film.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2003
About the author
Lloyd Kaufman
47 books40 followersLloyd Kaufman is a popular American film director, producer, screenwriter and occasional actor. With producer Michael Herz, he is the co-founder of Troma Entertainment film studio, and the director of many of their feature films, including The Toxic Avenger and Tromeo and Juliet. Kaufman also serves as chairman of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 26, 2022
it just has a commie china edition, named as 再烂的电影也能卖出去, roughly terped as, a movie can always be sold no matter how shitty it is
March 20, 2019
I might be the only person reading this book who has never seen a troma movie and has never dreamed of directing a movie. But it’s pretty damn funny and I’m probably gonna watch some Troma in the near future.
June 25, 2022
This book needs to sit right next to The Guerrilla Film Makers Handbook on every filmmaker’s shelf. As long as said filmmaker has a very high tolerance for extremely off-colour jokes.
November 18, 2022
Really funny "how to" book on making a movie. I recommend it to anyone just starting their film careers (although the book is full of grammar school jokes so if you're easily offended I wouldn't recommend reading it)
May 24, 2020
A fun book with some interesting tips on how to make a movie—ugh, though if he isn't joking, no I would not like to work on a Troma film xD
August 4, 2019
I'm not a filmmaker. I've performed on stage a bit, and several years ago I briefly experimented with some low-budget productions that I have since (thankfully) had the wisdom to purge from the Internet, but making a feature film was never really something I considered until, relatively recently, inspiration struck. Since then, I've been secretly writing a script (having unwittingly stumbled onto something very much akin to the scriptwriting process Kaufman describes) and wondering how I could ever actually turn something so bizarre into a real movie. This book goes some way toward answering that question.
The first important point about this book is that it's genuinely enjoyable to read. One assumes that anyone who would be interested in this book is probably a fan of Lloyd Kaufman and Troma's films. If that is so, the book's sense of humor will likely appeal to you. In fact, this is one of the rare books that could actually make me laugh out loud at several points. This is also exactly the sort of book you would expect from Kaufman, right down to the footnotes (one chapter includes a set of self-referential footnotes included to win a bet with the book's editor). It's good that the book is entertaining because it describes a painfully difficult film-making process from beginning to end, and the humor serves as a distraction from the mindboggling workload the author details.
The content of the book is more practical than I expected. Don't expect a lot of technical information about the correct operation of cameras or copies of the legal documents described throughout the book's pages. Instead, Kaufman walks you through a survey of the entire process of getting a film on screen, beginning with scriptwriting and financing and culminating with distribution of the finished film. If you want to actually make a movie, you will not only want but *need* to buy additional books (or hire professionals) covering every single topic in the book. However, despite the lack of technical information, Kaufman does walk you through the process in such a way that you have a strong sense of what it takes to get the job done and often has tips that will help you save money or will prevent you from overlooking some important detail.
Someone who already knows something about making movies probably won't gain a lot from the practical information (though the stories of making Troma films will entertain anyone and might provide some interesting new insights) but the novice will learn a lot of the basics like just what in the world a "gaffer" is and why you probably want to hire one.
I have to take issue, however, with the print quality of the physical book itself. Many photographs throughout the book's pages are so dark it's difficult to see what's happening (and sometimes almost impossible to distinguish one face from another). The book includes a number of informative sidebars but these are printed with white text on a black background and the resolution is so poor that it is always difficult and occasionally impossible (particularly when the font shifts to italics) to read the words on the page.
The reader should also be aware that some of the book's content has already become a bit outdated since the book's 2003 publication. The debate (spanning several pages) concerning digital video versus film has been, if not settled then at least significantly altered by technological advancements and the chapter on distribution doesn't account for the online distribution venues that have surfaced in the last fifteen years. That doesn't mean the information in the book is wrong, but it's at least incomplete.
On the whole, I'm glad to have read this book. It manages to be simultaneously sobering, inspiring, and entertaining, and I imagine anyone interested in trying to get a film produced on a shoestring budget could benefit from Kaufman's experience and advice.
The first important point about this book is that it's genuinely enjoyable to read. One assumes that anyone who would be interested in this book is probably a fan of Lloyd Kaufman and Troma's films. If that is so, the book's sense of humor will likely appeal to you. In fact, this is one of the rare books that could actually make me laugh out loud at several points. This is also exactly the sort of book you would expect from Kaufman, right down to the footnotes (one chapter includes a set of self-referential footnotes included to win a bet with the book's editor). It's good that the book is entertaining because it describes a painfully difficult film-making process from beginning to end, and the humor serves as a distraction from the mindboggling workload the author details.
The content of the book is more practical than I expected. Don't expect a lot of technical information about the correct operation of cameras or copies of the legal documents described throughout the book's pages. Instead, Kaufman walks you through a survey of the entire process of getting a film on screen, beginning with scriptwriting and financing and culminating with distribution of the finished film. If you want to actually make a movie, you will not only want but *need* to buy additional books (or hire professionals) covering every single topic in the book. However, despite the lack of technical information, Kaufman does walk you through the process in such a way that you have a strong sense of what it takes to get the job done and often has tips that will help you save money or will prevent you from overlooking some important detail.
Someone who already knows something about making movies probably won't gain a lot from the practical information (though the stories of making Troma films will entertain anyone and might provide some interesting new insights) but the novice will learn a lot of the basics like just what in the world a "gaffer" is and why you probably want to hire one.
I have to take issue, however, with the print quality of the physical book itself. Many photographs throughout the book's pages are so dark it's difficult to see what's happening (and sometimes almost impossible to distinguish one face from another). The book includes a number of informative sidebars but these are printed with white text on a black background and the resolution is so poor that it is always difficult and occasionally impossible (particularly when the font shifts to italics) to read the words on the page.
The reader should also be aware that some of the book's content has already become a bit outdated since the book's 2003 publication. The debate (spanning several pages) concerning digital video versus film has been, if not settled then at least significantly altered by technological advancements and the chapter on distribution doesn't account for the online distribution venues that have surfaced in the last fifteen years. That doesn't mean the information in the book is wrong, but it's at least incomplete.
On the whole, I'm glad to have read this book. It manages to be simultaneously sobering, inspiring, and entertaining, and I imagine anyone interested in trying to get a film produced on a shoestring budget could benefit from Kaufman's experience and advice.
February 28, 2022
This is a tough book for me to review.
If I grade it simply for its entertainment value it gets high marks. Kaufman is nothing if not entertaining.
He's also a bit of a provocateur; he says shit just to get a rise out of the audience. And at times it is difficult to sift through what is him trying to get a rise out of the audience and what is intended as actual advice.
But the big thing I have against this book is that it's a confessional and a how to on exploiting people's passion for the company and the industry. I know because I've been that guy, not for Troma, but for a fan film. Over the course of ten days I put in about 120 hours of unpaid time. I loved it. But now that I'm a little older and a little wiser I can look back and see how that just being how films get made is a little crazy and not necessarily the best for people's safety and mental health. Because now that I'm older I'd still love to be involved with movies, but I just can't do 17-20hr days; it's not good for my well being, and if you aren't willing to work those kind of hours you're not welcome.
Kaufman reiterates over and over about the shitty work conditions he has, how poorly he feeds the cast and crew, how long he expects them to be working, the lengths he expects them to go to for whatever film is being worked on, and really it boils down to exploiting people's love and passion for a thing. And yes, the people choose to do it, but that doesn't let him off the hook. I know my first time around I was just a stupid guy excited to be there who didn't know any better. I just wanted to work with horror icons who made the movies I grew up on.
But to top it off, I'm still left doubting how much of this is true, and how much of it is horseshit to uphold a reputation.
It is however interesting to see how much of this isn't relevant 20 years later with crowdfunding and all that as well.
Either way, an enjoyable read if you do mind a book that's a bit vulgar. If you're a Troma fan you know what kind of language and attitude to expect throughout.
If I grade it simply for its entertainment value it gets high marks. Kaufman is nothing if not entertaining.
He's also a bit of a provocateur; he says shit just to get a rise out of the audience. And at times it is difficult to sift through what is him trying to get a rise out of the audience and what is intended as actual advice.
But the big thing I have against this book is that it's a confessional and a how to on exploiting people's passion for the company and the industry. I know because I've been that guy, not for Troma, but for a fan film. Over the course of ten days I put in about 120 hours of unpaid time. I loved it. But now that I'm a little older and a little wiser I can look back and see how that just being how films get made is a little crazy and not necessarily the best for people's safety and mental health. Because now that I'm older I'd still love to be involved with movies, but I just can't do 17-20hr days; it's not good for my well being, and if you aren't willing to work those kind of hours you're not welcome.
Kaufman reiterates over and over about the shitty work conditions he has, how poorly he feeds the cast and crew, how long he expects them to be working, the lengths he expects them to go to for whatever film is being worked on, and really it boils down to exploiting people's love and passion for a thing. And yes, the people choose to do it, but that doesn't let him off the hook. I know my first time around I was just a stupid guy excited to be there who didn't know any better. I just wanted to work with horror icons who made the movies I grew up on.
But to top it off, I'm still left doubting how much of this is true, and how much of it is horseshit to uphold a reputation.
It is however interesting to see how much of this isn't relevant 20 years later with crowdfunding and all that as well.
Either way, an enjoyable read if you do mind a book that's a bit vulgar. If you're a Troma fan you know what kind of language and attitude to expect throughout.
November 21, 2021
Holy s*** was this hysterical! I read this as part of Trovember for PVD Horror. I don't know anything about making movies so it was really informative. There was also a lot of really bad humor which just made it all the more enjoyable. Not to mention there's a lot of arguments between Lloyd Kaufman and Trent Haaga illustrated in the book which makes it even better. Whatever happened to Trent? We just interviewed Lloyd Kaufman and didn't even think to ask. He was all over the place and then just disappeared.. I'm looking at you Troma! Anyway.. a really solid and hysterical book. It's really brutally honest about making no money and all the bul**** involved in filmmaking. I mean this has everything laid out from extras, to what to film on, right down to distribution. And pretty much everything in between. I thoroughly enjoyed the rant by Lloyd Kaufman. He went off on film festivals and big companies taking over everything. The sad part is it's all true. This is an old book and it's still like that.
The only things I didn't like about the book were the White text on the black background in italics and the tiny notes on the bottom. WTF Troma people don't you know I'm blind in one eye?
Maybe I'll buy this book in large print! To be honest, this book was really good.
The only things I didn't like about the book were the White text on the black background in italics and the tiny notes on the bottom. WTF Troma people don't you know I'm blind in one eye?
Maybe I'll buy this book in large print! To be honest, this book was really good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
Not a five star rating mostly because of all the parts by guest authors are presented with black backgrounds that's sometimes almost impossible ti read, especially the notes (check the other reviews if you don't trust me 🙂).
The book contains many useful teachings about all areas of filmmaking (that you can apply to many other creative professions), dropped in-between exaggerated stories from the creation of Troma movies. As you could imagine, there's a lot of bodily fluids involved, jokes about everything — including a constant self deprecation — with a bad taste, but you must consider that this is A) a book by Troma's public fare Lloyd Kaufman, and B) it's been published in 2003, so the sensibilities where quite different, and maybe, if written today it would be a different book. In case you consider them deal breakers, there are sexist, homophobic, transphobic, and possibly (I'm sure there are...) others kinds I can't recall right now, but it must be said that Kaufman expresses more understanding and even support in some parts of the book.
The most horrible content, that is part of teaching and not just joking, is the exploitation of volunteers, relatives, anyone, to get free labour, in terrible conditions (e.g. sleeping on the floor for weeks). BUT!, Kaufman repeats multiple times that the security on set is the top priority during filming, well before making a good film.
So, it's a rollercoaster of a book. Most of it is fun.
The book contains many useful teachings about all areas of filmmaking (that you can apply to many other creative professions), dropped in-between exaggerated stories from the creation of Troma movies. As you could imagine, there's a lot of bodily fluids involved, jokes about everything — including a constant self deprecation — with a bad taste, but you must consider that this is A) a book by Troma's public fare Lloyd Kaufman, and B) it's been published in 2003, so the sensibilities where quite different, and maybe, if written today it would be a different book. In case you consider them deal breakers, there are sexist, homophobic, transphobic, and possibly (I'm sure there are...) others kinds I can't recall right now, but it must be said that Kaufman expresses more understanding and even support in some parts of the book.
The most horrible content, that is part of teaching and not just joking, is the exploitation of volunteers, relatives, anyone, to get free labour, in terrible conditions (e.g. sleeping on the floor for weeks). BUT!, Kaufman repeats multiple times that the security on set is the top priority during filming, well before making a good film.
So, it's a rollercoaster of a book. Most of it is fun.
December 30, 2022
I loved every bit of this book, even when Lloyd Kaufman contradicts himself, who cares, it is instructive, entertaining and funny (and probably if you are a filmmaker you’ll find plenty of useful tips).
I found the rants on mainstream cinema particularly interesting. It really makes you think of all the struggles to keep alive a company that bases its 40+ years career on bodily fluids and practical jokes. Still if you search deep in the blood and guts you will find rather intelligent critic to society.
I only did not like the fact that contributions by other authors, which would be interesting additions, are printed on a black background, making it rather hard to read.
Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in movies, not just fan of Troma or of independent cinema.
I found the rants on mainstream cinema particularly interesting. It really makes you think of all the struggles to keep alive a company that bases its 40+ years career on bodily fluids and practical jokes. Still if you search deep in the blood and guts you will find rather intelligent critic to society.
I only did not like the fact that contributions by other authors, which would be interesting additions, are printed on a black background, making it rather hard to read.
Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in movies, not just fan of Troma or of independent cinema.
March 26, 2024
Incredibly funny. Had a very good time, and tbh I'm going to miss Lloyd from the time I spent reading this. He's a total dick and it's surreal how much he is so, but I kinda love him. It's also insane how old he is, and this is twenty years ago, he must be... almost dead now.
Had a very good time reading this. Was also super informative. My favourites were "get food on their own dime" and "I believe they flipped me off good naturedly" also when he intricately describes blowing his brains out as the wholesome ending of the book and also when he goes off about the conglomerate and they tell him to take his meds.
Ahh. So funny. Good stuff. So many good ones.
Had a very good time reading this. Was also super informative. My favourites were "get food on their own dime" and "I believe they flipped me off good naturedly" also when he intricately describes blowing his brains out as the wholesome ending of the book and also when he goes off about the conglomerate and they tell him to take his meds.
Ahh. So funny. Good stuff. So many good ones.
November 8, 2018
Funny and frequently offensive how to guide to cheap as hell independent movie making. the insights, particularly on distribution, were particularly enlightening to a cinephile like me. I sure like watching movies....but I don't want to make one!
December 20, 2019
An informative, funny and inspiring book! I made the mistake of reading this after having made my own damn movie! Tons of great tips and useful information communicated through good humor and anecdotes
January 6, 2021
Lloyd takes you through the business side of his film studio. Some films are theirs and some they just buy the rights to. But the book ends on a sour note from him. Just an okay read.
June 14, 2020
Troma does it again!
It’s always been a struggle to find inspiration to make your films, by god, Lloyd Kauffman will motivate you to do it ( 2lbs of Cocaine also helps). If you love independent cinema and want to make a movie this is the book for you. If you’re stuck on an eight hour flight and can’t find anything else, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
It’s always been a struggle to find inspiration to make your films, by god, Lloyd Kauffman will motivate you to do it ( 2lbs of Cocaine also helps). If you love independent cinema and want to make a movie this is the book for you. If you’re stuck on an eight hour flight and can’t find anything else, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
June 3, 2009
This is a how to book that should be kept away from anyone who is less than completely serious about doing anything at all. It purports to be a joke, I think, but tells more--both of the nuts and bolts and of the philosophy of art and film--than a lot of the other film making books I've been reading. (Sadly, I've been reading a lot of them.) It is hilarious, which is the litmus test for me that determines whether or not I like any writing, it seems, and informative, accurate and also true. His commentary is smutty, ironic, arch, discouraging and generous. I'm sure one of you in my list knows or has met Kaufman; he strikes me as typical of a lot of producers--desperate and intelligent. The difference is, he's very funny. I'm not sure if this is a how to book, a diatribe, or a comedy piece, but it functions well as each.
There are a number of commentaries woven through his writing. the commentaries are written by former and current associates, editors, and writers--they're not as funny, but the earnestness of the asides keeps his writing more fresh.
All that said, Kaufman is famous for running Troma Films and has been called (not by himself) the only real auteur film maker in the U.S. But the only Troma film I've seen, Cannibal, was really crappy. And he says all his films are crappy--or words to that effect. I wonder if his films would be better with large budgets?
There are a number of commentaries woven through his writing. the commentaries are written by former and current associates, editors, and writers--they're not as funny, but the earnestness of the asides keeps his writing more fresh.
All that said, Kaufman is famous for running Troma Films and has been called (not by himself) the only real auteur film maker in the U.S. But the only Troma film I've seen, Cannibal, was really crappy. And he says all his films are crappy--or words to that effect. I wonder if his films would be better with large budgets?
July 20, 2016
As a young filmmaker in the process of his debut, I found this book incredibly inspirational. You do not necessarily have to be a Tromaphile (however it helps to be entertained by Troma Entertainment to find Lloyd Kaufman intriguing), so the information written is fitting for anyone interested in filmmaking, or purely desiring a humorous informational book to read. Incredibly overwhelming the foreshadowed future of filmmaking is, Kaufman only makes things scarier but for his charming hilarity. The book is so funny, it makes everything in the world okay. Truly. I continue to be impressed by the art form of filmmaking, and this book reinstated and caused an incredible progression in my heart.
However, if you're not a Tromadict, Kaufman's drooling anecdotes of his past 30 years as a filmmaker can get stiff. But hold out for it, he typically pokes fun at himself (or other people from Troma butt in) when realizing how boring he must seem: comedy ensues.
However, if you're not a Tromadict, Kaufman's drooling anecdotes of his past 30 years as a filmmaker can get stiff. But hold out for it, he typically pokes fun at himself (or other people from Troma butt in) when realizing how boring he must seem: comedy ensues.
December 7, 2012
After being disappointed with his previous book (All I Need to Know About Film Making...) I picked this one up with lowered expectations. It's fantastic. Even though it's loaded with typical dick jokes and juvenile humor, it contains a ton of practical advice on how to make a film. In fact, regardless of how hellish he makes the process sound, you come away from reading this book thinking that making a film isn't such an insurmountable task after all. I can't wait to pick up his follow-up books on film making.
May 20, 2011
Kaufman is such a character. I'd like to meet him someday, though not work for him; his style and mine just don't jive. He did, though, have a lot of useful things to say to someone who wants to start her own movie project soon, and it's stuff I'll keep in mind for the rest of my career -- as a writer and as whatever else I end up being. I didn't enjoy all of the asides, though the extremely casual language was fun to read, so it only gets 4 stars.
August 3, 2007
Not nearly as entertaining as All I Need to know about filmmaking, but a great read just the same. There are some tips about how to go about making your own movie, but for the most part just another life account of Troma Studios. I gain more and more respect for Kaufman the more I learn about him, he is truly an independent genius.
July 29, 2008
I've always liked the Troma team, and as bad as some of their movies are, I've always enjoyed and supported them as a company. Lloyd Kaufman has been doing this shit for 30+ years and while he might not have it all figured out, he's sure entertaining and inspiring. Awesome book. I can't wait for his next one.
October 10, 2011
Lloyd Kaufman is quite the character, and this book is quite bizarre. But I actually found it to contain very helpful morsels of information about filmmaking. The morsels are spread out across the book, but the reading in between them is very entertaining. I found the last few chapters to be the most helpful.
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November 3, 2013I am going to give this book NO STARS AT ALL because it was horrible, deplorable, and an unprofessional way of depicting making a film. If you want an example of what not to do, sure go ahead, read this book, but be prepared to be grossed out and generally disgusted by what you'll find. As soon as I can find a way to delete this off my kindle, I WILL. I'm insulted by this entire book.
March 1, 2007
whether you make movies or not, this book had me in stitches. My wife made me put it down at night because my attempts to suppress my outright laughter resulted in bed shaking that thwarted my attempts to not wake her.
June 9, 2010
This book should have been required reading in film school. There was a shocking amount of stuff to be learned that I did not learn in school. Ah well. Between this book and my education, I am well equipped to take on the world. Thank you Mr. Kaufman!
January 9, 2012
This isn't to be taken too seriously but still, read and learn. There are plenty of little tricks that can come in handy when making a film but this book is more for a satirical/comedy purposes. Still, this is the book I have laughed the hardest at. A good read but don't take it too seriously.
February 24, 2015
A great look at the practical site of film making by someone who has been doing practically everything related to film for over 40 years. It has solid advice, plenty of humor, and sidebars by the folks at Troma who have been working on films for years about every aspect of making a movie.
May 10, 2016
While somewhat dated in discussions on film vs. DV, the majority of discussions here are highly relevant to anyone thinking of diving into directing/producing an independent film. Oh - and the book is absolutely hilarious cover to cover. Easy to read and loaded with gut-busting anecdotes.
May 5, 2016
Read this again for various reasons. It's a good read if a bit crass at times. And definitely a bit dated considering how far digital filmmaking has come since this book came out. Still... It makes me want to make a damn movie.
August 9, 2007
An engaging and very practical guide to guerrilla filmmaking. Making a Troma flick is just as daunting a challenge as helming something like Gangs of New York or Fitzcarraldo.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews