I like to work with the same people when I can, and you want to get people with the same interests that you have, and the same aesthetic.

You know that first of all your films have to make money no matter who you are.

I'm trying to keep up with what's happening in this turbulent world.

I've been blessed with the opportunity to express the views of black people who otherwise don't have access to power and the media. I have to take advantage of that while I'm still bankable.

I always give the example, if you turn on the radio today, black radio, Lenny Kravitz is not black. Bob Marley wasn't black: in the beginning, only white college stations played Bob Marley.

People sometimes forget all the films that we've done. They remember the likes of 'Malcolm X' and 'Do the Right Thing.' But I've been working since 1986. From the beginning, I was determined to not just be a flash in the pan. I've got to keep up with Woody Allen. He's lapping me.

I live in New York City, the stories of my films take place in New York; I'm a New York filmmaker.