We’ve heard this story before, but it’s such a delightful one that it’s worth telling again! Spike Lee’s memories of working with Michael Jackson always give fans a unique glimpse into the King of Pop’s incredible attention to detail and artistic vision. Listening to Spike share these stories is always a treat, but it also leaves us wishing for more. Imagine if Spike Lee had directed the Thriller 40 documentary—we’re absolutely gutted that the Michael Jackson Estate didn’t call on him for that project.
Spike Lee shared this particular gem during an exclusive chat at the Red Sea Film Festival. The renowned filmmaker revealed how Michael Jackson kept correcting him on a key detail, offering a hilarious and heartfelt insight into their bond.
Spike reminisced about the creative lessons Michael Jackson taught him, particularly his insistence that their projects be called “short films” instead of “music videos.” Imitating Michael Jackson’s soft yet firm voice, Spike said, “He’d tell me, ‘Spike, I’m not gonna say this again. We are not doing music videos; we are doing short films.’” The correction wasn’t just a matter of words—Michael Jackson believed in elevating the medium, blending music and visual storytelling into an art form.
Spike and Michael Jackson’s relationship wasn’t just professional. Spike, a lifelong fan, felt a special connection with Michael Jackson as they shared similar life experiences, from witnessing the civil rights movement to narrowly missing the Vietnam War draft. Working with Michael Jackson on the iconic They Don’t Care About Us in 1997 was a dream come true for the filmmaker. Spike vividly remembers seeing Michael Jackson’s personal notes during their collaboration, including one that read, “To be great, study the greats.”
This unforgettable experience wasn’t just about filmmaking; it was a masterclass in ambition and vision. Spike credits much of his success to lessons from his parents, who always supported his dream of becoming a filmmaker—a rare aspiration for a young Black man at the time. Their encouragement gave him the confidence to defy odds, just as Michael Jackson’s determination inspired him to reach for greatness.
Michael Jackson’s correction—insisting on calling it a “short film”—was more than semantics. It was a reflection of the King of Pop’s relentless pursuit of excellence, a trait that continues to inspire artists and fans alike.
