Spike Lee Brings “She’s Gotta Have It” to Netflix

In 1986 Shelton Jackson Lee, best known as Spike Lee, was a young writer, actor, and director embarking on his first feature film, She’s Gotta Have It. The out-of-the-box filmmaker would become known for addressing controversial issues in his films and his personal platform.

African American films were few and far between, but Lee managed to pull off a hit. With a small budget of $175,000, She’s Gotta Have It, made a remarkable return on his investment when the film grossed of 7 million dollars at the box office.

The black and white comedy-drama tells the story of an attractive, independent, the sexually carefree African-American young woman, Nola Darling living in Brooklyn, New York who happens to be simultaneously dating three men. The prowess has her bubble busted when the gentlemen discover she is dating them all.

Some would have considered Lee’s theme of showcasing a sexually liberated young African-American female at the time quite risky, but it paid off and catapulted him to success. His subsequent films addressing unpopular topics of discussion would also become great hits.

Fast forward 30 years and Lee is working once again on She’s Gotta Have It, but this time for a series with the popular streaming site, Netflix. Lee credits his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, a producer for having the vision for a series when he couldn’t see how it would work.

Netflix has ordered ten episodes, and Lee will direct and also co-produce each one, alongside his wife, Tonya. Lee is currently casting for the series which will begin filming on October 11th in Brooklyn.

Although the filming will commence in the same area, the series will be updated to reflect a more contemporary style.

Lee is currently casting for the 30-minute series for Netflix, and is very excited about the opportunity, after recently celebrating the 30 year anniversary of his first feature film, She’s Gotta Have It.

OPEN CALL for the NEW SPIKE LEE JOINT Barbara McNamara Casting is having an open call for actors in the NYC area. WHEN: Monday, October 3rd WHERE: Brooklyn Masonic Temple 317 Clermont Ave. (Dekalb and Lafayette Ave) Fort Greene, Brooklyn 11205 Looking for all nationalities age 18-80 Filming will take place October 11th – January 25TH SAG/AFTRA actors 5PM-6:30PM NON UNION actors 6:30-8PM ALL TALENT MUST BE ABLE TO WORK IN USA and have valid proof of ID. Please bring updated headshot and resume along with 2 forms of ID (DL/SS, US PASSPORT, GREENCARD/SS, PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD/SS) Those who cannot attend the open call can email updated headshot, resume and one recent non-professional photo to SLBGCASTING@GMAIL.COM Thank you

A post shared by Spike Lee (@officialspikelee) on Oct 2, 2016 at 9:34am PDT