Returning to Yale, he produced Robert Edelstein's low-budget film "Rappaccini" and directed his own first feature film, an experimental black and white film titled "The Girl Who Returned" (1969). The film was presented at film societies at Yale, Harvard, and other east coast institutions. Following his graduation, Kaufman went on to work for Cannon Films, where he met John G. Avildsen (future Academy Award-winning director of "Rocky" and "The Karate Kid"). The two collaborated for several years, making low-budget films including "Joe" (1970) and "Cry Uncle!" (1971). During this period, Kaufman also directed and starred in his second feature film, "The Battle of Love's Return" (1971), which garnered positive reviews in publications such as "The New York Times"; wrote and co-produced the lesbian thriller "Sugar Cookies" (1973) with Oliver Stone; and wrote and directed the Israeli comedy flop, "Big Gus, What's the Fuss?" (1973). Kaufman also served as executive in charge of locations for "Saturday Night Fever" (1977), and was influential in choosing 2001 Odyssey as the nightclub in the film.