Spike Lee turns to Kickstarter for next project out of frustration with Hollywood
By Josh Sanchez
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks fan and movie director Spike Lee cheers in a game against Indiana Pacers in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Spike Lee is the latest celebrity to join in the footsteps of the likes of Zach Braff, Kristen Bell and many others by taking to the crowdfunding site Kickstarter for help with their latest project. His untitled project is going to be about “human beings who are addicted to blood” and he is looking to raise at least raise at least $1.25 million. Yeah, because there aren’t enough zombie flicks out there.
Lee said, during a lengthy rant to describe his project, that his decision to turn to Kickstarter stems from his frustration with Hollywood and the fact that they refuse to fund the type of films that he wishes to make.
“With the current climate in the Hollywood studio system, it’s not an encouraging look for independent film-makers,” Lee wrote on Kickstarter. “I’m not hating, just stating the facts. Superheroes, comic books, 3D special EFX, blowing up the planet nine times and fly[ing] through the air while transforming is not my thang. To me it’s not just that these films are being made, but it seems like these are the only films getting made. To the studios it seems like every film must be a home run on a global scale, a tent pole enterprise, able to spin off sequel after sequel after sequel after sequel after sequel after sequel.”
“I have a different vision of what cinema can be, a different vision of what some underserved audiences might want to see. That is why I am here on Kickstarter, to raise the funds for the new Spike Lee joint, to get this bad boy financed. Nothing in life is free, and if you want something you got to pay for it. If you have liked any of my films in the past, this is the price it costs to see another one (which can be less than the cost of one movie ticket). We feel the different levels on contributions make it affordable for everyone to get down for the cause.”
There are plenty of conflicting thoughts about celebrities turning to Kickstarter to fund their projects, but there are also those who seem to understand where the film makers are coming from.
What do you think about celebrities like Lee, Braff and Bell turning to the crowdfunding site for their own films? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.