Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee has signed a multiyear feature deal with Netflix. Under the agreement, Lee will direct and produce narrative features through his Forty Acres and a Mule Filmworks production company.
Netflix and Lee have enjoyed a successful collaborative relationship, with drama Da 5 Bloods, the She’s Gotta Have It series, the one-person show Rodney King, and See You Yesterday. Next up, Lee will produce Gordon Hemingway & The Realm of Cthulhu for Netflix.
As part of the new deal, the streamer has also committed to providing financial support and investing in the “ongoing mission to develop new talent and increase representation in the entertainment industry.”
“There Is No Better Way For Me And My Company 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks To Begin The New Year Than Renew Our Partnership With Ted, Scott And Tendo-Da Fearless Leaders Of NETFLIX. Besides My Joints, We Together Will Focus On The New Diverse Storytellers,” said Lee in a statement. “YOUTH MUST BE SERVED. And Dat’s Da Truth, Ruth. YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF.”
“Throughout Spike’s incredible career, his writing and directing have remained searing and insightful about our times, while still being incredibly entertaining,” added Scott Stuber, who serves as Head of Global Film at Netflix
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The partnership officially starts in January. Lee and 40 Acres are represented in this negotiation by ICM Partners and Lawrence Shire and Peter Grant at the Grubman Shire law firm.