Michael Herz (producer)
Encyclopedia
Michael Herz is an American
film producer, director and screenwriter. With Lloyd Kaufman
, the two are the co-founders of Troma Entertainment
, the world's longest running independent film studio, known for their comedic horror films, including the cult favorite Toxic Avenger
series and the critically acclaimed Tromeo and Juliet
.
Herz and Kaufman first met when both of them were attending Yale University
. Initially, the two didn't get along; Kaufman has stated that the only reason the two hung out with each other was that Herz owned a pinball machine and Kaufman was the only person in their dormitory who owned a television. Regardless, he was cast in a small part in Kaufman's first feature film, The Girl Who Returned
.
After graduating from Yale, Herz went on to study law at New York University
. Although he was quite adept at the subject, he secretly harbored a desire to become a screenwriter. His girlfriend Maris, who was a friend of Lloyd Kaufman's, took Herz to see Cry Uncle!
, a film that Kaufman served as a production manager on. Impressed, Herz contacted Kaufman and was hired for the production of the 1973 film Sugar Cookies
.
In 1974, Kaufman and Herz formed Troma Entertainment
. Together, they co-directed and co-produced all of Troma's movies from 1983's Squeeze Play!
to 1991's Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.
, when Herz relinquished control of the director's chair to focus on the business end of Troma Studios.
Herz is notoriously publicity-shy, allowing the more charismatic Kaufman to be the public face of Troma. Apart from brief appearances in the Class of Nuke 'Em High
series, Herz has remained behind the camera. Whenever a Troma promotional video calls for an appearance by Herz or when Kaufman's not available, the character of 'Michael Herz' is played by Troma's iconic 500-pound actor Joe Fleishaker
(in real life, Herz is rather physically fit).
With his wife Maris, they have one daughter, Sloane.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
film producer, director and screenwriter. With Lloyd Kaufman
Lloyd Kaufman
Lloyd Kaufman is an American film director, producer, screenwriter and occasional actor. With producer Michael Herz, he is the co-founder of Troma Entertainment film studio, and the director of many of their feature films, including The Toxic Avenger and Tromeo and Juliet. Kaufman also serves as...
, the two are the co-founders of Troma Entertainment
Troma Entertainment
Troma Entertainment is an American independent film production and distribution company founded by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz in 1974.The company produces low-budget independent movies that play on 1950s horror with elements of farce...
, the world's longest running independent film studio, known for their comedic horror films, including the cult favorite Toxic Avenger
The Toxic Avenger
The Toxic Avenger is a 1984 comedy horror film released by Troma Entertainment, known for producing low budget B-movies with campy concepts. Virtually ignored upon its first release, The Toxic Avenger caught on with filmgoers after a long and successful midnight movie engagement at the famed...
series and the critically acclaimed Tromeo and Juliet
Tromeo and Juliet
Tromeo and Juliet is a 1996 independent transgressive comedy film adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet from Troma Entertainment...
.
Herz and Kaufman first met when both of them were attending Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
. Initially, the two didn't get along; Kaufman has stated that the only reason the two hung out with each other was that Herz owned a pinball machine and Kaufman was the only person in their dormitory who owned a television. Regardless, he was cast in a small part in Kaufman's first feature film, The Girl Who Returned
The Girl Who Returned
The Girl Who Returned is a 1969 American comedy film, notable as the directorial debut of Lloyd Kaufman, future co-founder and president of Troma Entertainment. It was made during his sophomore year at Yale University....
.
After graduating from Yale, Herz went on to study law at New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
. Although he was quite adept at the subject, he secretly harbored a desire to become a screenwriter. His girlfriend Maris, who was a friend of Lloyd Kaufman's, took Herz to see Cry Uncle!
Cry Uncle!
Cry Uncle! is a 1971 film in the Troma library. It is directed by John G. Avildsen and stars Allen Garfield. The story, based on the Michael Brett novel Lie A Little, Die A Little, follows the misadventures of a slobbish private detective who is hired by a millionaire to investigate a murder...
, a film that Kaufman served as a production manager on. Impressed, Herz contacted Kaufman and was hired for the production of the 1973 film Sugar Cookies
Sugar Cookies (film)
Sugar Cookies is a 1973 soft-core crime film directed by Theodore Gershuny. It was co-written by future president of Troma Entertainment Lloyd Kaufman and produced by future director Oliver Stone....
.
In 1974, Kaufman and Herz formed Troma Entertainment
Troma Entertainment
Troma Entertainment is an American independent film production and distribution company founded by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz in 1974.The company produces low-budget independent movies that play on 1950s horror with elements of farce...
. Together, they co-directed and co-produced all of Troma's movies from 1983's Squeeze Play!
Squeeze Play!
Squeeze Play! is a 1979 comedy film from Troma Entertainment directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. It was Troma’s first major hit before The Toxic Avenger, and the first in a line of four "sexy comedies", followed by Waitress!, Stuck on You!, and The First Turn-On!.-Plot:A group of New Jersey...
to 1991's Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.
Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.
Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. is a 1990 comedic superhero film directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz and distributed by Troma Entertainment.-Synopsis:...
, when Herz relinquished control of the director's chair to focus on the business end of Troma Studios.
Herz is notoriously publicity-shy, allowing the more charismatic Kaufman to be the public face of Troma. Apart from brief appearances in the Class of Nuke 'Em High
Class of Nuke 'Em High
Class of Nuke 'Em High, also known as Atomic High School, is a 1986 film made by cult classic B-movie production group Troma Entertainment. It was directed by Richard W. Haines and Lloyd Kaufman under the pseudonym Samuel Weil...
series, Herz has remained behind the camera. Whenever a Troma promotional video calls for an appearance by Herz or when Kaufman's not available, the character of 'Michael Herz' is played by Troma's iconic 500-pound actor Joe Fleishaker
Joe Fleishaker
Joseph Isaac Fleishaker is an American actor most famous for his small but memorable roles in various low-budget horror and science fiction movies, usually produced by Troma. Weiging more than 500 pounds, Joe Fleishaker is, the "biggest Troma Action Star". When doing a Troma promo, Fleishaker...
(in real life, Herz is rather physically fit).
With his wife Maris, they have one daughter, Sloane.
As a director and producer
- Waitress!Waitress!Waitress! is a 1981 comedy film directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment. It was the second in Troma's line of "sexy comedies", preceded by the 1979's Squeeze Play! and followed by 1982's Stuck on You! and 1983's The First Turn-On!.-Premise:The film follows an aspiring...
(1981) - Stuck on You! (1982) (also co-writer)
- The First Turn-On!The First Turn-On!The First Turn-On! is a 1983 comedy film directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment. It was the last in a series of four "sexy comedies" that helped establish Troma as a film studio, starting with 1979's Squeeze Play!, 1981's Waitress! and 1982's Stuck on You!.The First...
(1983) (also co-writer) - The Toxic AvengerThe Toxic AvengerThe Toxic Avenger is a 1984 comedy horror film released by Troma Entertainment, known for producing low budget B-movies with campy concepts. Virtually ignored upon its first release, The Toxic Avenger caught on with filmgoers after a long and successful midnight movie engagement at the famed...
(1984) - Class of Nuke 'Em HighClass of Nuke 'Em HighClass of Nuke 'Em High, also known as Atomic High School, is a 1986 film made by cult classic B-movie production group Troma Entertainment. It was directed by Richard W. Haines and Lloyd Kaufman under the pseudonym Samuel Weil...
(1986) (also actor) - Troma's WarTroma's WarTroma's War, also known as 1,000 Ways to Die in the United States, is a 1988 action/adventure film written by Lloyd Kaufman and Mitchell Dana and directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman...
(1988) - The Toxic Avenger Part IIThe Toxic Avenger Part IIThe Toxic Avenger Part II is a 1989 comedy horror film released by Troma Entertainment. It was directed by Lloyd Kaufman and features The Toxic Avenger in an adventure to Japan to meet his father. The film has received cult status among a new audience almost a generation after it was first released...
(1989) (also actor) - The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of ToxieThe Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of ToxieThe Toxic Avenger III: The Last Temptation of Toxie was released in 1989 by Troma Entertainment. It is effectively a direct sequel to The Toxic Avenger Part II because when director Lloyd Kaufman made that movie he realized he shot too much material for one film.-Plot:After getting Apocalypse Inc....
(1989) - Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. is a 1990 comedic superhero film directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz and distributed by Troma Entertainment.-Synopsis:...
(1991)
As a producer
- Squeeze Play!Squeeze Play!Squeeze Play! is a 1979 comedy film from Troma Entertainment directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. It was Troma’s first major hit before The Toxic Avenger, and the first in a line of four "sexy comedies", followed by Waitress!, Stuck on You!, and The First Turn-On!.-Plot:A group of New Jersey...
(1979) - Mother's DayMother's DayMother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
(1980) - The Dark Side of MidnightThe Dark Side of MidnightThe Dark Side of Midnight is a 1984 thriller written and directed by Wes Olsen. The plot follows a detective on the trail of a serial killer known as 'The Creeper', whose relentless string of murders are terrorizing the residents of a small town.The film is currently distributed by Troma...
(1984) - Igor & The Lunatics (1985)
- ScreamplayScreamplayScreamplay is a 1985 American horror film directed by Rufus Butler Seder.-Plot:Aspiring screenwriter Edgar Allen arrives in Hollywood carrying his most valuable possessions: a battered suitcase and a typewriter. Edgar Allen's best attribute is his wild imagination...
(1985) - Girl School Screamers (1986)
- Combat ShockCombat ShockCombat Shock is a 1986 drama film written and directed by Buddy Giovinazzo and distributed by Troma Entertainment.The plot of the film takes place in Staten Island, and follows an unemployed Vietnam veteran living in total poverty with his nagging wife, his deformed baby due to Ricky having been...
(1986) - Lust For Freedom (1987)
- Fortress of AmerikkkaFortress of AmerikkkaFortress of Amerikkka is a 1989 action film directed by Eric Louzil and distributed by Troma Entertainment. The movie follows John Whitecloud, a criminal rebel who's out for revenge against a corrupt Sheriff and a militia run by a crazed General...
(1989) - Class of Nuke 'Em High Part II: Subhumanoid Meltdown (1992) (also actor)
- Class of Nuke 'Em High 3: The Good, the Bad and the SubhumanoidClass of Nuke 'Em High 3: The Good, the Bad and the SubhumanoidThe Class of Nuke 'Em High 3: The Good, the Bad and the Subhumanoid is a 1994 comedy, horror, science-fiction film directed by Eric Louzil and distributed by Troma Entertainment.-Plot:...
(1994) (also actor) - Blondes Have More Guns (1995)
- Tromeo and JulietTromeo and JulietTromeo and Juliet is a 1996 independent transgressive comedy film adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet from Troma Entertainment...
(1996) - Sucker: The Vampire (1998)
- Terror FirmerTerror FirmerTerror Firmer is a 1999 American comedy horror film, directed by Lloyd Kaufman, written by Patrick Cassidy and Douglas Buck, and starring Will Keenan and Alyce LaTourelle. The film was produced by the Troma Entertainment company, known for distributing campy exploitation films...
(1998) - The Rowdy Girls (2000)
- Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IVCitizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IVCitizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV is a 2000 American superhero comedy film released by Troma Entertainment, directed by Lloyd Kaufman...
(2000) - All the Love You Cannes!All the Love You Cannes!All the Love You Cannes! is a 2002 documentary film directed by Lloyd Kaufman, Gabriel Friedman, and Seth McGrath.The film chronicles Troma Entertainment's annual pilgrimage to the Cannes Film Festival in order to take on the "elitist media conglomerates" and features interviews with Quentin...
(2002) - Doggie Tails: Lucky's First Sleep-Over (2003)
- Parts of the Family (2003)
- Tales from the CrapperTales from the CrapperTales from the Crapper is a 2004 straight-to-video anthology film that was a spoof of the Tales from the Crypt comics. The film was released by Troma Entertainment.-Plot:...
(2004) - Make Your Own Damn Movie!Make Your Own Damn Movie!Make Your Own Damn Movie is both a book and a DVD set about Troma Entertainment and independent film in general.-Book:Make Your Own Damn Movie!: Secrets of a Renegade Director is written by Lloyd Kaufman published by St. Martin's, in 2003...
(2005) - Slaughter Party (2005)
- Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken DeadPoultrygeistPoultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead is a 2006 musical-comedy horror exploitation film from Troma Entertainment, directed by Lloyd Kaufman from a screenplay by Gabriel Friedman and Daniel Bova....
(2006) - Dancing Into the Future (2007)
- Kickball: The Movie! (2008)
- Lenge: Ledgends of Troma (2011)
- Toxic Twins: The Toxic Avenger V