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Representing Troma
A Review By Steven A. Grainger
I've had an ongoing relationship with Troma since 2000. I've worked and run their booths at a number of conventions, helped out at various screenings, worked their room at the American Film Market, volunteered at Tromadance twice and spent a month camping in the ghetto in Buffalo to help make Poultrygeist happen. On more than one occasion I've found myself not just helping out but also having to assume the position of "Face of Troma" under various circumstances. It has always been interesting and even educational.
The first time was at a screening of the then new Troma film Terror Firmer at DragonCon. I was dressed as a certain famous resident of Tromaville who carries a mop. I had been assuming that position for about 3 days straight at that point and had learned to adjust to whatever circumstances I found myself in. Dealing with children who liked the costume but were way to young to watch Troma films, having to start acting in a film with about 10 seconds notice and generally having to help get the word out that Troma was around was kind of fun.
I'd asked Lloyd if I had to say anything onstage since I was told he wanted me up there and was assured that I just was there to be seen.
The room was pretty full of Troma fans, I'm guessing somewhere between 80-100. Lloyd was on the mike getting the crowd worked up and then he says, "And now let's hear from the Toxie," and hands me the mike and walks away. For a few seconds I said nothing-the crowd had cheered and now that was dying down and I had to say something to keep them interested or just make a break for the door. Luckily, I remember a contest Troma said they were going to have and announced it was starting before the urge to run hit me. Trial by fire, I did ok. After that I resolved to be expecting that sort of thing if I dealt with Troma again.
Next time was at Megacon where Lloyd was scheduled to be there and show something and talk. Unfortunately, Lloyd couldn't make it and about 15 min before this event was supposed to happen I found out about it. I volunteered this time to go in. I figured if I showed something from Troma and maybe gave some swag away Troma would leave a better impression than just nobody showing up. I greeted the group by apologizing that Lloyd wasn't there but I had brought some possible viewing material for them to see and I let them pick what they wanted to see-I believe it was Best of Tromadance Volume 1. After the people had left I handed out some Troma stickers and thanked them for showing up. They all seemed pleased and I felt I had held up the Troma banner for the day. Last day of Megacon I got to be a Troma rep again when everyone else had left and I was in charge of running the booth and then the breaking down and packing up of all the Tromabilia by myself. Glad it was a slow day but did get a little self satisfaction out of handling it all right.
I got an impromptu secession of being a Troma rep at Twisted Nightmare when I was attending because of a screening of my film. Lloyd saw me and said, "Watch the booth" and handed me a handful of change and walked away, leaving me alone in the booth. I shrugged, figured Lloyd must trust me so I guess I better live up to that and got behind the booth. Sold a few DVDs, answered a few questions and after about half an hour Lloyd came back and brought me a muffin.
Working the Troma booths I have often had people come and start interviewing Lloyd only to have Lloyd grab me and shove me in front of the microphone/camera/tape recorded after he introduces me as either "A young, gay film maker," "A great Indy film maker who can answer any questions you have" or "This is Steve, you should talk to him." Sometimes, I feel like a human shield but I can say it's never dull with Lloyd within arms reach.
While working the American Film Market I got to be a Troma rep for film buyers and sellers from around the world when the real reps were busy. This was much more businesslike than many gigs with Troma but Lloyd managed to keep me on my toes by insisting I put on a likeness of a certain sushi loving Tromaville resident and dance around while he filmed Count Smokula siging about Tromadance. I recently found out I was featured in a segment of Lloyd's master class of Make Your Own Damned Movie with some footage shot of me talking to someone while working a Troma booth so I find myself sometimes representing the company even when I'm not physically around.
Last year at Dragoncon I got asked to go be the voice of Troma at a panel discussion since Lloyd had to leave early. Wisely, I recruited several other Poultrygeist cast/crew members who were there so that I was not the only face of Troma seen or heard from.
While it might sound like I've had a lot of unusual demands made of me by Lloyd and Troma, the experiences have usually been enjoyable and have led to some other benefits. Lloyd and Troma vet Debbie Rochon made cameo appearances in my movie. I got to act in a short film in Tennessee with Lloyd, Debbie and another Troma vet Tiffany Shepis.
Lloyd has repeatedly allowed me to sell my films at the Troma booth, granting me aces to crowds of people who may not have taken a second glance at my film elsewhere. Lloyd has also introduced me to many influential people in the film business, granted he often introduced me as his gay lover, but at least I got to meet a lot of folks I would not likely have without Lloyds influence.
I will likely keep working with Troma from time to time as long as they will have me and there are fans wanting to get their copies of Redneck Zombies
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