Spike Lee Discusses Filmmaking, HBCU Connections in Atlanta Interview

The acclaimed director opened up about his ties to the city and the use of his signature camera techniques.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In a wide-ranging interview on the 'Ryan Cameron Uncensored' podcast, filmmaker Spike Lee discussed his filmmaking process, his connections to Atlanta and HBCUs, and his thoughts on the use of new technologies like AI in the industry. Lee revealed he was born at Grady Memorial Hospital and attended Morehouse College, where he also worked in radio. He shared details about the making of his classic HBCU-set film 'School Daze' and praised young directors following in his footsteps. Lee also commented on Bad Bunny's use of his signature 'double-dolly' camera shot during the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Why it matters

Spike Lee is one of the most influential and acclaimed filmmakers of his generation, known for his unique directorial style and his exploration of African American experiences. His connections to Atlanta and HBCUs, as well as his perspective on the evolving film industry, provide valuable insight into his creative process and the broader cultural impact of his work.

The details

In the interview, Lee discussed his time working on the 1988 film 'School Daze,' which was set at a fictional HBCU. He revealed that he faced some challenges from the Morehouse College president at the time during production, and ended up filming across multiple campuses in the Atlanta area, including Morris Brown College and Clark-Atlanta University. Lee also praised the work of younger directors who have an easier path to entry in the industry compared to when he was starting out. Additionally, he offered a critique of the increasing reliance on technology and AI in filmmaking.

  • Spike Lee was in Atlanta in February 2026 to appear on the 'Ryan Cameron Uncensored' podcast.
  • Lee's classic film 'School Daze' was released in 1988.

The players

Spike Lee

An acclaimed American filmmaker known for his unique directorial style and exploration of African American experiences in films like 'Do the Right Thing,' 'Malcolm X,' and 'BlacKkKlansman.'

Ryan Cameron

The host of the 'Ryan Cameron Uncensored' podcast, where he interviewed Spike Lee.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican rapper and singer who performed during the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show and incorporated Spike Lee's signature 'double-dolly' camera technique.

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What they’re saying

“Spike Lee opened up his time on the set to reveal he is a 'Grady Baby,' a child born at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.”

— D.L. Chandler, Author (hiphopwired.com)

“Lee explained that some of the issues he had in completing the film came from Morehouse's president at the time and that he completed shooting across various campuses in the region, including Morris Brown College and Clark-Atlanta University.”

— D.L. Chandler, Author (hiphopwired.com)

What’s next

Lee's son pointed out Bad Bunny's use of the 'double-dolly' shot during the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and Lee responded positively to the homage, suggesting continued interest in how his filmmaking techniques are being incorporated by younger artists.

The takeaway

Spike Lee's deep connections to Atlanta and HBCUs, as well as his candid reflections on the evolving film industry, underscore his enduring influence as a pioneering Black filmmaker who has paved the way for a new generation of directors to share diverse stories and perspectives.