Welcome to a compilation of insightful and often irreverent quotes from Lloyd Kaufman, a pioneer in the independent film industry. As the co-founder of Troma Entertainment and a prolific filmmaker, Kaufman’s words reflect a unique perspective on filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and the creative process. With a career spanning several decades, Kaufman has garnered a cult following for his unabashedly unconventional approach to cinema, earning him a reputation as a maverick in the world of independent film.
Throughout his career, Lloyd Kaufman has remained an outspoken advocate for independent artists and the DIY ethos, championing the idea that anyone with a vision and determination can make movies. His quotes offer a blend of wit, wisdom, and provocative commentary on the state of the film industry, censorship, and the challenges of artistic expression. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an aspiring artist, or simply someone intrigued by Kaufman’s unapologetic perspective, you’ll find inspiration and food for thought in the words that follow. Without further ado, delve into the mind of Lloyd Kaufman and discover the pearls of wisdom that await below.
Movies are art and the spirit of the movie depends on the creators. Lloyd Kaufman
In our racist, sexist society, Christmas is the eight hours when we stop killing each other and gratuitous overeating is encouraged so that the starving and other people in the world can die! Lloyd Kaufman
Comedy is not commercial; it is risky, because what is funny in one place isn’t always funny somewhere else. Lloyd Kaufman
I hope that all new filmmakers see that the Internet and social media are helpful tools in establishing a fan base as well as being able to interact with your fans. Lloyd Kaufman
There is no way I could have ever dared to make a documentary, much less have the money to make a documentary, if it was on 16mm. But, with the magic of digital. Lloyd Kaufman
I don’t make crappy movies. I spend two or three years making a film. I don’t take myself seriously, but I take my movies very seriously. Lloyd Kaufman
I majored in Chinese Studies. I’m probably the only director of chicken Indian zombie movies who can speak pretty good Mandarin. Lloyd Kaufman
In our racist, sexist society, Christmas is the 8 hours when we stop killing each other and gratutious over eating is encouraged so that the starving and other people in the world can die! Lloyd Kaufman
If someone offered me a hundred million dollars to make a movie? I would first remind him that there are 850 million people in the world who don’t have enough to eat. Lloyd Kaufman
My favorite film is always the one that I most recently worked on. Lloyd Kaufman
It is up to us to produce better-quality movies. Lloyd Kaufman
My roommate at Yale University introduced me to the auteur theory of filmmaking. I soon became a big fan of the works of John Ford, Kenji Mizoguchi, Ernst Lubitsch, and Stan Brakhage. I then decided to make my own films! Lloyd Kaufman
The thing I find about the movie industry is that 99 percent of the people are absolute scum. They’re horrible people, they really are. Very nasty killer rabbits who hate movies. But the other 1 percent are really the greatest, most wonderful people in the world. Lloyd Kaufman
The dean of the American Film Institute has written that I’m one of the very few auteurs in America. I’ve had freedom for 40 years to create art that is totally personal and is what I believe in. Lloyd Kaufman
I’m from the ’60s, but no one has ever accused me of being a hippie. I never had much interest in the Woodstock crowd, which partied to change the world, while real people were starving to death in Africa. Lloyd Kaufman
I believe that independent film making is the last frontier of creative expression available. So I’m always willing to lend a helping hand to a young film maker who’s just getting into the business. Lloyd Kaufman
I like fat people more then I like thin people, things are always a lot more funnier when they happen to fat people. Lloyd Kaufman
‘Fast Food Nation’ was boring and aimed at yuppies, and yuppies don’t eat fast food. Lloyd Kaufman
That DMC Act is a disgrace. And the problem with independent art in this country is that independent artists have been economically blacklisted. Lloyd Kaufman
