Few can dispute that Spike Lee is a film legend. I remember living in Atlanta in the mid 80s and hearing this HUGE buzz about She’s Gotta Have it especially around the Atlanta University center where Spike was once a student.
I had never seen such anticipation for a movie from the black community and the movie was a huge hit and the beginning of a lucrative career in the film industry for Lee that has lasted almost 30 years.
Without a doubt, Lee has learned some hard lessons along the way, most of which he takes in stride these days with a positive outlook that allows him to exercise all of his options before giving up. When you talk to Spike you realize immediately that he has an edge, one that lets you know he’s about business and absolutely demands respect and nothing less.
I can appreciate that. It’s evident that as Spike has gotten older, he takes his time before answering questions and he is very aware of the possible impact of his answers. We talk about that and more during this interview.Â
KEVIN ROSS: Congratulations on the campaign… I see that you are getting closer and closer to your goal.
SPIKE LEE: Thanks, we knew from the very beginning this would be a marathon and not a sprint. So we’re moving steady and we’re moving forward and hope to be where we want to be.
KR: Explain why this whole campaign is so important to you with Kickstarter?
SL: Well it’s importing because we can use crowdfunding to get the stuff they want to do as artists, inventors, producers, filmmakers etc. You can use crowdfunding principles to go directly to people to support you.
KR: The interview that you did on Bloomberg TV the other day with Trish Regan is the second biggest story on my site this week (besides George Duke’s death).
I saw on your Twitter account where people are constantly using the link from TheIndustry.biz for your followers to see the video which would explain why the story is so huge.
I had planned on donating but after seeing the exchange between you and Trish and her disrespect, I donated on the spot. it seems that here’s the link to donate). We’re doing everything to reach our goal including pulling out the kitchen sink (laughs).
