IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Put in the Work with Spike Lee
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Sep 3, 2025 Spike Lee, the acclaimed Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for his impactful narratives on race relations, joins the discussion. He shares insights on his latest film, 'Highest 2 Lowest,' and reflects on the formative experiences of his childhood. Listeners will enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from iconic works like 'Do the Right Thing' and 'BlacKkKlansman.' Additionally, Spike talks about the importance of hard work in the creative process and addresses the challenges filmmakers face, including the role of artificial intelligence in storytelling.
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Escalator Meeting That Changed His Life
- Spike Lee met his wife Tanya at a Congressional Black Caucus event when their eyes met on an escalator and they exchanged numbers.
- He used a playful lie about forgetting a Montblanc pen to keep the conversation going and it led to their relationship.
Super 8 Camera Sparked His Career
- Spike discovered filmmaking after a friend gave him a Super 8 camera one summer and he filmed the 1977 New York blackout.
- That footage became his documentary Last Hustle in Brooklyn and pushed him to pursue film school and a career in cinema.
Trust Fuels Creative Teams
- Spike emphasizes that filmmaking, like sports, depends on trusted teams and long relationships.
- He values collaborators who give honest opinions and help him improve the work.