Soul Men Director Malcolm Lee On Black Comedy, and 3 Tips For Aspiring Filmmakers
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When
directing Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac in 2008’s Soul Men,
filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee knew that he was working on something special.
“The opportunity to work with the two of them was great,” says Lee.
“They’d never worked together before and here I am as the person who
got to helm the picture and pay homage to soul music.”
Lee has built an enviable resume since his breakthrough in 1999’s The Best Man. Having been behind the lens for hit movies like Undercover Brother, Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins and Roll Bounce,
he’s definitely found his niche as a director. “Like most filmmakers, I
try to be as authentic to the material as possible,” he explains. “I
try to give it some grounding — even though it may be a comedy, I like
to ground it in reality.”
Lee, the cousin of
legendary filmmaker Spike Lee, was able to channel his talents into a
career by adhering to three principles. He feels that these are the
keys to anyone’s success as a director:
1.Develop patience
“That doesn’t necessarily mean ‘organized’—but it does take some
organizational skills. Be prepared for some long days and nights —
especially in pre-production.”
2.Be a manager of personalities
“It takes working with people. [Be] a leader — but you have to let
people do their jobs, too. You have to try to be as egoless as
possible, even though you’re in charge and you have to set the tone.
It’s a balance.”
3.Start writing — and write what you know
“If I [hadn’t written] my first script, I wouldn’t have gotten the
opportunity to direct. Personally, I think I’m a better writer-director
than … I am as a writer or a director [alone]. [But] when I add the
two, it’s easier for me to visualize.”
