Hey, mabus...
May I be perfectly candid? Lloyd Kaufman is a hack. He'd "hire" a Bolivian passer-by to direct a movie if the immigrant conceded to do it for free. No experience necessary. And, sure, he'll distribute your movie in provincial mom 'n' pop stores (his only domestic outlet)--but you won't earn a dime for your hard work. It's all about creative bookkeeping (and the fact that Troma's supposed "cult" legion has diminished to zip). I respect low budget filmmakers, they have to squeeze Utopia beer out of a lemon; Kaufman is content with alligator piss, as long as the content is compromised from skanky tits, ass and amateurishly-applied violence. Kaufman "recompenses" starving, fledgling filmmakers with claiming "I got your movie out on some shelves, what else?" I have absolutely no respect for this turd. Roger Corman is tight-fisted with money but his operation is thoroughly legitimate and filmmakers are paid. To be succinct, the difference between Kaufman and Corman is a couple of million light-years.
Best of luck on your own movie (shop it around, don't drop it off at Brain Damage's doorstep unless absolutely necessary. And, trust me, Lionsgate will furnish your movie with visibility in the event it qualifies but--for the love of God--be sure that a lawyer reads the fine print).
And, yeah, I've been working on a full-length film for the past few months (you have to write around accessible locations and circumvent permits); luckily, I live with a crack marketer who hangs with Stuart Gordon and Tim Sullivan (you have to promote your film in advance of its release, hence increasing its value. A distributor will only provide you with a blurb and jacket art). One thing for certain: it'll be pretty kinky sans the generic splatter excess.
Take care; hope you don't think I'm an imprudent, pompous tightass. I'm only pitching suggestions because you deserve the best. A tiny budget doesn't preclude creativity as evinced by CARNIVAL OF SOULS, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, HORROR HOTEL, et al.
Lily
www.lilysmidnightsnacks.com