Roger Corman Quotes

Powerful Roger Corman for Daily Growth

About Roger Corman

Roger Corman, born on April 5, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, is a celebrated American film director, producer, and actor, renowned as the "King of B-Movies." His prolific career spanning over six decades has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Corman's interest in cinema was ignited at an early age. At 14, he began his filmmaking journey by editing newsreels for a local theater, and at 16, he founded his first production company, Gemstone Pictures. He moved to Hollywood in the late 1940s, where he worked as an assistant director under directors like Douglas Sirk. Corman made his directorial debut with 'Monster from the Ocean Floor' in 1954, but it was his collaboration with American International Pictures (AIP) that catapulted him to fame. His partnership with AIP brought forth a series of low-budget films, including horror classics like 'A Bucket of Blood,' 'The Little Shop of Horrors,' and the iconic 'Edgar Allan Poe' cycle starring Vincent Price. Corman's works often combined horror with social commentary, pushing boundaries and exploring taboo subjects within the constraints of B-movies. His films were known for their quick production, low budgets, and innovative use of special effects. Corman's influence extends beyond his filmography. He is credited with launching the careers of numerous Hollywood heavyweights, including Francis Ford Coppola, Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Ron Howard, Robert De Niro, and Martin Scorsese. His unique approach to filmmaking, characterized by efficiency and creativity within financial limitations, has become a model for many independent filmmakers today. In 2009, Corman was awarded the National Medal of Arts in recognition of his contributions to American cinema. He continues to be an inspiration to filmmakers worldwide, embodying the spirit of independent filmmaking and the power of imagination within limitations.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't make movies for money. I make money so that I can make movies."

This quote by Roger Corman expresses his passion for cinema. Despite being a successful filmmaker, he values movie-making not primarily for financial gain but for the intrinsic joy it brings him. He earns money to ensure he can continue creating films, demonstrating that he views his career as a means to an end – the production of more movies.


"The trouble with making a picture for $300,000 is that you never have enough money to tell the story."

This quote by Roger Corman highlights the constraints and challenges in filmmaking when working within a limited budget. The $300,000 figure represents an economic constraint, making it difficult for Corman to fully flesh out the intended narrative due to financial limitations. This means that important aspects of the story may have been compromised or left unrealized because the funds were not available. Essentially, he is emphasizing that while creativity and innovation can still lead to quality work, a tight budget imposes practical limits on the scope and depth of storytelling.


"Every film school graduate should be forced to make a low-budget movie as their first project."

This quote emphasizes the practical importance of gaining hands-on experience in the film industry, particularly through making low-budget movies, for aspiring filmmakers who have completed formal education. The reasoning is that such experiences instill resourcefulness, innovation, and adaptability - essential skills for success in a competitive and often financially challenging field. It also suggests that learning from real-life production challenges can be more valuable than theoretical knowledge alone. In short, Roger Corman's quote advocates for gaining early practical experience to better prepare future filmmakers for the demands of their careers.


"In this business, timing and luck are the two most important ingredients for success."

The quote highlights that in the world of filmmaking or any creative industry, the combination of good timing (being at the right place at the right time) and luck (unexpected opportunities or breaks) plays a crucial role in achieving success. It emphasizes that skill alone is not enough; being able to seize an opportunity when it presents itself and being fortunate enough to be in the path of those opportunities are key factors for professional advancement.


"The first key to making a successful low-budget film is to know your budget before you start shooting."

This quote by Roger Corman emphasizes the importance of planning and budgeting in creating a successful low-budget film. Essentially, it means that understanding the financial constraints of a project from the outset allows filmmakers to make informed decisions about production choices, ensuring they maximize their resources efficiently. This approach can lead to a more profitable and well-executed movie within the limited budget.


Motion pictures are the art form of the 20th century, and one of the reasons is the fact that films are a slightly corrupted artform. They fit this century - they combine Art and business!

- Roger Corman

Art, Films, Slightly, Corrupted

Jim Cameron is proof that if you are good, you'll get promoted.

- Roger Corman

Proof, Get, Cameron, Jim

One of the worst things you can do is have a limited budget and try to do some big looking film. That's when you end up with very bad work.

- Roger Corman

Big, Some, Very, Budget

When I started in the late 1950s, every film I made - no matter how low the budget - got a theatrical release. Today, less that 20-percent of our films get a theatrical release.

- Roger Corman

Made, Films, Theatrical, Budget

Other writers, producers, and directors of low-budget films would often put down the film they were making, saying it was just something to make money with. I never felt that. If I took the assignment, I'd give it my best shot.

- Roger Corman

Best, Other, Directors, Just Something

As a producer, I probably am a little stronger than most, since I was a director originally.

- Roger Corman

Stronger, Director, Most, Producer

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.