Why We Make Movies

Black Filmmakers Talk About the Magic of Cinema

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by George Alexander

Broadway Books

Due/Published February 2003, 304 pages, paper

ISBN 0767911814

this book brings together more than thirty conversations with filmmakers and producers such as Spike Lee, Gordon Parks, Julie Dash, Charles Burnett, and Robert Townsend. With journalist George Alexander, these men and women discuss not only how they got their big breaks, but more importantly, they explore the creative process and what making movies means to them. Why We Make Movies also addresses the business of Hollywood and its turning tide, in a nation where African Americans comprise a sizable portion of the film-going public and go to the movies more frequently than whites. In addition, Alexander's cast of directors and producers considers the lead roles they now play in everything from documentaries and films for television to broad-based blockbusters.

Interviews include: Melvin Van Peebles, Michaael Schultz, Charles Burnett, Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Fred, Williamson, Earnest Dickerson, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Antoine Fuqua, Bill Duke, Forrest Whitaker, Julie Dash, Kasi Lemmons, Gina Princ-Blythewood, John Singleton, George Tillman Jr., Reginald Hudlin, Warrington Hudlin, Malcolm Lee, Euzhan Palcy, Doug McHenry Debra Martin Chase, St. Clair Bourne, Stanley Nelson, William Greaves, Kathe Sandler, Camille Billops, Haile Gerima, Gordon Parks