Racism in America absolutely exists - it is an issue. We need to fix it. We're a great country - probably the greatest country but we could be a hell of a lot greater.

I think black people have to be in control of their own image because film is a powerful medium. We can't just sit back and let other people define our existence.

I'm always open to new, innovative stuff and people trying to do stuff in a different way. I knew that the theatrical release would be like getting on the launch pad for Amazon Prime but I was okay with that because I think what Jeff Bezos and Ted Hope are doing is innovative.

I never understood the concept of showing everything in the trailer. Why go to a movie if there's no surprise? I can't do it like that.

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

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

I'm a storyteller, and there's some genres I like. I don't think I'm ever going to do science fiction, but I want to do a musical one day. I want to tell stories, I don't really try to get boxed in by a specific genre.