Here are some facts and second hand info

I used to know the director, Bill Stromberg. According to him Crown International never came through with all of their part of the money and he spent his own cash to finish the film out of pocket. Then Crown International stiffed him on what they owed him, and used work print to finish and release the film. As far as I know he's never been paid a dime in royalties inspite of getting screwed by Crown International and the film making millions. Why should you believe me? Well the "director" whom I knew well rented my shop and screwed me on the rental. I never received the money I was owed but I know everyone well enough to believe him about what happened with Crater Lake Monster. His son is Robert Stromberg, a very talented matte painter but he left paint to dry in a detail gun and two air brushes of mine so I still have a grudge against Robert as well as his father. No matter the bad blood we share Bill made Crater Lake Monster for under a 100 grand and something like half came out of his own pocket and Crown screwed him so I give him credit for that much. I'd still like to get the money he owes me for shop rental not to mention used supplies and ruined airbrushes but I will never contest what he accomplished with Crater Lake Monster. FYI Phil Tippett sculpted the Crater Lake monster as in Jurassic Park Phil Tippett! It's a cool little film no matter what I think of the director or his successful son. I know from talking to him that more was planned like a dance scene similar to what was in The Giant Gila Monster but Crown refused to come up with their part of the budget so it's only from Mr Stromberg's sacrifice that there's even a finished film. I have no idea if he's even alive at this point but I will never begrudge Mr Stromberg making Crater Lake Monster. He did the best with the limited resources he had. I'd still like to get the money he owes me but I can't say anything negative about Crater Lake Monster!