Troma Entertainment
Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz established Troma Entertainment in 1974. They began producing raunchy sex comedies like The First Turn-On! and Squeeze Play! during the mid-1970s. The name Troma came from Herz trying to think of the most ugly sounding word ever uttered by man. Their early work included production support for Louis Malle's My Dinner with Andre, where Kaufman served as a production manager. This period laid the groundwork for their future independent film studio status.
Troma had a hit with the violent comedy superhero film The Toxic Avenger in 1984. The film became Troma's most popular property, spawning sequels and an animated television program. However, following the financial demise of the company, the sequels to the film were box office bombs. The cartoon adaptation quickly ended after its initial run. The Toxic Avenger character is now Troma's official mascot. A musical version debuted at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and opened in New York in the fall of 2008. David Bryan, keyboardist of the rock band Bon Jovi, composed the music for this stage production.
Troma films are B-movies known for their surrealistic or automatistic nature along with shocking imagery. They typically contain overt sexuality, nudity, and intentionally sadistic, gory, and blatant graphic violence. Troma reuses the same props, actors, and scenes repeatedly to save money. Examples include a severed leg, a penis monster, and the flipping and exploding car filmed for Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. This reuse became yet another hallmark of Troma. The studio prides itself on self-imposed rules including safety to humans, safety to property, and making a good movie written in smaller typeface than the first two rules.
Troma has produced early films featuring several rising talents before they were discovered by Hollywood. Oliver Stone made his debut as an actor in The Battle of Love's Return in 1971. Paul Sorvino appeared in Cry Uncle! that same year. Vanna White starred in Graduation Day in 1981 while Kevin Costner was in Sizzle Beach, U.S.A. also in 1981. J.J. Abrams acted in Nightbeast in 1982 and Vincent D'Onofrio appeared in The First Turn-On! in 1983. Michael Jai White played a role in The Toxic Avenger Part II in 1989. Billy Bob Thornton appeared in Chopper Chicks in Zombietown that same year. Samuel L. Jackson starred in Def by Temptation in 1990. Trey Parker and Matt Stone created Cannibal! The Musical in 1993. David Boreanaz appeared in Macabre Pair of Shorts in 1996. James Gunn worked on Tromeo and Juliet in 1996. Carmen Electra starred in The Chosen One in 1998.
Troma experienced financial hardship after the botched funding of Tales from the Crapper which cost $250,000 despite most footage being completely unusable. India Allen backed out halfway through and sued Troma citing breach of contract and other charges. In August 2012, Troma released over 100 back catalog films on YouTube many for free or some for 48-hour paid viewing. However their YouTube channel was terminated in 2020 and 2023 for not meeting community standards but has since been reinstated. As of 2023, Troma's slogan was 50 Years of Disrupting Media. They launched a streaming service called Troma Now in 2015 offering subscribers a free trial month before requiring payment of US$4.99 monthly fee.
Troma holds an annual Tromadance Festival originally taking place in Park City, Utah at the same time as the Sundance Festival. The festival screens submitted movies from independent filmmakers from around the world with best releases usually appearing on DVD by Troma. In 2009 the last time Tromadance was held in Utah it relocated to Asbury Park, New Jersey. By 2014 the festival moved to New York City and since 2020 has been held at The Mahoning Drive-In Theater. Kaufman has written several non-fiction books including All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from The Toxic Avenger released in 1998 co-written with James Gunn. He continued drawing on experiences in how-to filmmaking books Make Your Own Damn Movie!, Direct Your Own Damn Movie!, Produce Your Own Damn Movie! and Sell Your Own Damn Movie!. A novelization of The Toxic Avenger was released in 2006 co-written by Kaufman and long-time employee Adam Jahnke.
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Common questions
Who founded Troma Entertainment and when was it established?
Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz established Troma Entertainment in 1974. They began producing raunchy sex comedies like The First Turn-On! and Squeeze Play! during the mid-1970s.
What is the origin of the name Troma Entertainment?
The name Troma came from Michael Herz trying to think of the most ugly sounding word ever uttered by man. This decision defined their brand identity before they became known for independent film production.
Which film made Troma Entertainment famous and what year did it release?
Troma had a hit with the violent comedy superhero film The Toxic Avenger in 1984. The film became Troma's most popular property, spawning sequels and an animated television program.
When did Troma Entertainment launch its streaming service Troma Now?
They launched a streaming service called Troma Now in 2015 offering subscribers a free trial month before requiring payment of US$4.99 monthly fee. As of 2023, Troma's slogan was 50 Years of Disrupting Media.
Where has the Tromadance Festival been held since 2020?
By 2014 the festival moved to New York City and since 2020 has been held at The Mahoning Drive-In Theater. The event originally took place in Park City, Utah at the same time as the Sundance Festival.