Spike Lee

WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
He is one of the only film makers still making films about social issues that get studio backing and distribution. His energetic debut She's Gotta Have It opened the door to a 'new' wave of African American film-making and proved that black films could make money.

WHAT SORT OF FILMS IS HE FAMOUS FOR?
His magnum opus, Malcolm X was filmed in Africa and his latest, Summer of Sam was a departure in that it dealt with Italian Americans, but for the most part his films focus on the lives, concerns and culture of African Americans living in New York City.

WHEN WAS HE WORKING?
He's still working. He's made 14 films since his 1985 debut with She's Gotta Have It, almost one a year.

WHO DID HE WORK WITH?
The pantheon of African American acting talent, Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, Samuel L Jackson. Do the Right Thing was Rosie Perez's first film, Jungle Fever was Halle Berry's first film. His musician father Bill scored his first three films and his sister Joie gave birth in Mo' Better Blues and his brother runs his promotional business.

WHO DID HE SLEEP WITH?
Halle Berry, actress. Since 1993, Lee has been married to Linette Lewis, a lawyer.

WHAT DO THEY TELL YOU AT FILM SCHOOL?
When the inevitable 'race and the media' topic comes around, expect the usual epithets. As contemporary film-maker, Lee probably has more credibility among students than lecturers. Unless you're at New York University, where you might be lucky enough to attend lectures by the man himself.