Stanley Lloyd Kaufman, the founder of Troma Films, never had a strong desire to pursue a career in filmmaking. His initial passion lay in Broadway musicals, but his exposure to "B" pictures and the works of Roger Corman during his time at Yale University sparked a new interest in the medium. His first film, a 15-minute documentary on a pig being slaughtered in Chad, Africa, marked the beginning of his journey as a filmmaker.
Kaufman's early films, including "The Girl Who Returned" (1969) and "Sugar Cookies" (1973),garnered positive responses from audiences. However, his studio, 15th Street Films, faced financial difficulties due to the failure of his film "Schwartz: The Brave Detective" (1973). This setback led Kaufman to form Troma Studios with his friend Michael Herz, with the goal of producing low-budget films that would appeal to a niche audience.
One of Troma's earliest successes was the film "Blood Sucking Freaks" (1976),which was re-edited and completed at Troma Studios. The film's success enabled the studio to pay its bills and establish itself as a viable player in the film industry. Kaufman's subsequent films, including "Squeeze Play" (1979) and "The Toxic Avenger" (1984),further solidified Troma's reputation as a purveyor of cult classics.
Throughout his career, Kaufman has been driven by a desire to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. His films often blend elements of horror, comedy, and social commentary, resulting in a unique and often controversial body of work. Today, Troma is recognized as a leading distributor of cult films, with a catalog that includes over 1,000 titles.
