I'll make my own damn movie

After a tip from a friend, I found myself a copy of Lloyd Kaufman's book, "Make Your Own Damn Movie" and am very happy I did. Not so much a how-to book, but rather an offering of insights and anecdotes, "MYODM" goes through the various phases of making an independent movie. Kaufman and co-authors, Adam Jahnke and Trent Haaga, give tips (but mostly hilarious first hand experiences) from everything from script writing to distribution and everything in between.

Kaufman begins the journey while shoveling rat turds in the basement of the Troma building. Evidently the smell made him nauseous enough to reflect on all of his accomplishments and decided to offer the world, or perhaps just Troma fans, his enthusiastic take on the independent film business. He ends with an equally hilarious dream about suicide - something he, thankfully, did not do. And I assume that he's having too much fun to actually partake in suicide... at least in real life.... no matter how difficult he paints the picture of filmmaking.

One can't help but laugh at his profane rantings (the footnotes are not to be missed!) and his self-deprecating attitude, but its Kaufman's charisma and genuine love of what he does that solidifies this man as a true veteran filmmaker and someone who deserves the chance to speak.

Upon finishing "MYODM", I quickly bought the "Make Your Own Damn Movie 5-DVD Box Set" companion piece. More than anything, it proves Kaufman's genuine attitude toward independent films and filmmakers. It offers great behind the scenes looks at everything from special f/x to interviews with other filmmakers to how to properly record audio.

Kaufman doesn't sugarcoat anything; he plainly states the heartache that goes into filmmaking, but he also describes its rewards. One such reward he describes is that of TromaDance; a film festival for true independents the he obviously takes much pride in. If there is one thing I took from "MYODM", it's that if I have the inspiration to make a movie, there is nothing that should stop me. And that's the best advice a 30-year veteran could offer to someone like me who's just starting out. I will make my own damn movie.

Thanks, Uncle Lloyd.