Remembering Doug Sakmann: A Talkin' Troma Special

Talkin' Troma with Zack Beins

Doug Sakmann was a truly special individual – a valued member of the Troma Team, friend, filmmaker, and shit disturber. Doug first joined Troma as a production assistant on Citizen Toxie, working his way up to an associate producer, and then going on to produce the Troma's Edge TV series while joining the company full-time as the Head of Production, a position he held until 2002 when he left to form his own production company Backseat Conceptions, which created the Punk Rock Holocaust film series in association with the Vans Warped Tour. Doug also produced and starred in the Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner web series, and he became synonymous with Sgt. Kabukiman, having portrayed the character far more times than anyone else. In addition, Doug was also a journeyman special effects artist, having created FX for everything from music videos to commercials to video games to TV shows and feature films, including the Return to Nuke 'Em High films and Shakespeare's Shitstorm.

Doug tragically passed away on June 27, 2024 at just 43 years old. In July of 2023, we sat down with Doug for over two hours to talk about his time in Tromaville. The original intent was to use clips of the interview across various topics that we're covering on the show. In light of what's happened we've decided to air the full interview (mostly) uncut along with remembrances from some of his friends and colleagues. Please enjoy our look back with Doug on a very special episode of Talkin' Troma.

Hosted by Zack Beins. Produced by Chris Lanphear for Loudspeaker Studios. Talkin' Troma Theme Music by J57 and Bald Halfwit. Special thanks to Liam Regan, Debbie Rochon, Lloyd Kaufman, Bjarni Tómasson, Tiffany Shepis, Chris Seaver, and Zac Amico.

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