Spike Lee Quotes - Page 5

I'm always open to new, innovative stuff and people trying to do stuff in a different way. I knew that the theatrical release would be like getting on the launch pad for Amazon Prime but I was okay with that because I think what Jeff Bezos and Ted Hope are doing is innovative.

I collect names for characters. Names are valuable; they can be your first source of insight into a character.

As we move toward the millennium, the year 2000, the most powerful nations are not those that have nuclear bombs, but those that control the media. That's where the battle is being fought; that is how you control people's minds.

I never understood the concept of showing everything in the trailer. Why go to a movie if there's no surprise? I can't do it like that.

'25th Hour,' like a lot of my films, takes place in New York City. I've been very fortunate to make films in the city that I live. I mean, it's great going home at night instead of being on location.

A lot of times you get credit for stuff in your movies you didn't intend to be there.

I respect the audience's intelligence a lot, and that's why I don't try to go for the lowest common denominator.

If people go to IMDB, they will see that I'm very comfortable with independent cinema, and doing studio films too. For me this is not an either/or situation.

I think my work shows that I love women. I understand where these types of criticisms are coming from because black people have been so dogged out in the media, they're just extra sensitive.

I don't dictate, you don't dictate to Stevie Wonder, not successfully.

I like to work with the same people when I can, and you want to get people with the same interests that you have, and the same aesthetic.

I don't think I'm a total pessimist, so I think you can find hope in all my films.

I am very fortunate I can send my kids to private school, but everybody does not have the money. If you cannot get your kid in a good school today, your kids are going to be behind the eight ball.

I don't get tripped up in technology. I use technology as a tool. 'Oldboy' we shot Two Pro 35mm. For 'Da Blood of Jesus,' we shot digitally. We shot the new Sony F55. It's a 4K camera.

Amongst black people, you have always heard it said that once a black man reaches a certain level, especially if you are an entertainer, you get a white trophy woman. I didn't make that up.

A woman who is very secure in herself, what she's about, what she wants to do, who probably figures that she's a prize catch-sooner or later he's going to come around.

Right now a lot of people are still choosing to go to Toronto instead of shooting in New York City, something I haven't done and something I hope I'll never have to do.

I consider Madonna a friend, and she sure knows how to work the publicity machine. Of course, I don't have breasts. If I did have, I'd be in the number one spot over Madonna.

I always give the example, if you turn on the radio today, black radio, Lenny Kravitz is not black. Bob Marley wasn't black: in the beginning, only white college stations played Bob Marley.

'Do the Right Thing' was like the first film where I really felt comfortable working with actors.

'She's Gotta Have It' was shot in twelve days and two six-day weeks.

My cousin Malcolm Lee is also a filmmaker.

I had a great education. From kindergarten to John Dewey High School in Coney Island, I am public-school educated.

I'm an independent filmmaker with complete creative control of my films. I hire who I want. I have final cut. But at the same time, I go directly to Hollywood for financing and distribution. I find it's best for me to work within the Hollywood system.

I don't like acting; not in front of the camera.