Meaningful Concepts

Reid made alot of good points throughout his first chapter, but what stood out to me was that majority of black film makers did not attend a film school. They still remained apart of the business, and eventually progressed as the years passed. After a group of black filmakers actually attended film school, they continuted the same focus african american community,as previous black directors had done. I also thought it was interesting how Reid discusses a directors reputation and the films success at the box office in order for them to get the best oppertunites of people to work with. He gives the example of Forest Whitakers "Waiting to Exale", after its box office success, he recieved a better budget from 20th century fox and was able to hire Sandra Bullock for the lead. I found it interesting that Reid compared Whitakers success to Spike Lee, who also has had well received films, but yet he has also fallen short at the box office numerous times. Spike Lee still remains a notable director in Hollywood despite his failures. I thought it was an intriguing point to make, and a good comparison between the two directors.