Spike Lee casts first lead in Kickstarter movie project
theGRIO REPORT - Spike Lee has revealed the lead actress in his latest Kickstarter-funded movie project...
Spike Lee has revealed the lead actress in his latest Kickstarter-funded movie project.
Zaraah Abrahams, a black British actor who came across Lee’s radar after he watched her co-star in a film produced by one of his students, has won the part.
He made the announcement on his Kickstarter page and gave more information on the first performer he has cast in his latest venture.
He wrote:
I first saw Zaraah in BLACK GIRL IN PARIS, this is a [sic] NYU GRAD Thesis Film Directed by Kiandra Parks, a Student of mine. I remember Kiandra screening a rough cut of her film in my NYU Office, as I watched I kept being drawn to the Co-Star, she was dominating this 20 Minute Film. After the screening was done I told Kiandra that “She had a very good film” and “Who is the Co-Star? What is her name? Where did she come from? How did you find her? How come she is the Co-Star and not the lead? I need to get in touch with her.” I tracked her down and Zarrah is even better than I thought. If I know anything, I know Young Talent. These are Individuals who have that special something, a true gift from God and they only need the platform, the vehicle to “SHOW DA WORLD” what they got. 40 Acres and A Mule over the years has been that platform in front and BEHIND THE CAMERA Too.
I’m excited about Zaraah helping me achieve my unique vision of ADDICTION, BLOOD and SEX, A NEW KINDA LOVESTORY. Love Kayos Hate Everytime. Join us in this MOVEMENT. BE A PART OF HISTORY. BET ON DA MULE. Click on http://bit.ly/newspikeleefilm.
Lee launched a campaign on the fundraising site Kickstarter to raise money for his next film over two weeks ago.
Since then, people have already pledged over $680,000 — surpassing the half-way mark of it’s ultimate goal of $1,250,000.
Lee has also received endorsements from notable stars like Matthew McConaughey — who made a YouTube video showing his support for the project — and Ocean’s Eleven director Steven Soderbergh, who donated $10,000 to the campaign.
Few details have been given about the film, but Lee writes that it could revolve around “human beings who are addicted to blood.” He says it’s “funny, sexy and bloody (and it’s not ‘Blacula’).”
The venture is referred to as “The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint.”
Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works
