TapeHead Profiles Lloyd Kaufman (and his new book)

Like Athena bursting from the brow of Zeus, Lloyd Kaufman is single-handedly (or half-handedly, we can't forget about his business partner of 25 years, Mr. Michael Herz) responsible for an entire movement of film, namely the longest-lived independent film company still in existence today, Troma Films. Most of the planet has had exposure to Tromaville in one way or another, be it through the Toxic Avenger series (or its subsequent cartoons and comic books) or one of Troma's other great titles like Class of Nuke 'Em High, Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD, or Tromeo and Juliet.

Now any Joe Average can delve deep into the slimy crags of Mr. Kaufman's brain (without the aid of any Asimov-ian shrink ray) by purchasing his new tell-all biography, All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned From the Toxic Avenger.

A sordid and absolutely hilarious chunk of writing, All I Need to Know is not only a rare glimpse into the Lloyd's life, it's also a great primer for the young filmmaker who wants to remain fiercely independent. According to Kaufman, reading his book could potentially make you extremely rich and famous . . . As long as you do the opposite of what he did.

Kaufman isn't one of those "I never made it in Hollywood so I'll slam on the whole system" filmmakers - hell no! When Lloyd rails on the stupidity of Hollywood, he's speaking from experience. He was location manager for two Academy Award-winning films - Rocky and Saturday Night Fever. Taking the money earned from the big boys, Kaufman proceeded to form his own film company to finance and shoot his own nudie flicks. The rest, as they say, is history.

Not that the above description is a full account of the 25 years of Troma's existence - that's what you buy the book for! But don't think that the book is nothing but a history of Troma. Lloyd, in his infinite wisdom, also passes along trade secrets like how to avoid (or lie to) the MPAA, how a simple cantaloupe can replace a $10,000 CGI special effect, and why actors suck! Save your parents' money by skipping film school entirely and reading All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned From the Toxic Avenger.

If you were charmed by Howard Stern's Private Parts, then you'll love Lloyd's book. Both are written by men who are fiercely independent (sometimes to their own chagrin); truly faithful family men who have made millions by surrounding themselves with young nubile women (but Lloyd - God bless him - throws in blood and explosions as well); renegades who have made their own way in the world through sheer force of will.

No stone is left unturned in the biography of Lloyd Kaufman. Some may find an unexpurgated tour through the mind of a mad genius uncomfortable (especially if you're a fan of Jack Valenti or Forrest Gump), but if you find bold-faced honesty and passionate opinion interesting (and you should), then All I Need to Know . . . is great reading. Recommended for anybody who loves Troma, hates Hollywood, or just likes to read entertaining books.

All I Need to Know . . . is available at every major conglomerate bookstore and is published by the devil-worshipping corporation Penguin Putnam. Lloyd is also doing book signings throughout the country in support of his book. Check out some of the links to the right for more information . . .

-Punky McSrubb