Spike Lee MasterClass Review
Spike Lee Masterclass Review
In this Spike Lee MasterClass Review, we will be examining whether or not the Spike Lee MasterClass (Spike Lee Teaches Filmmaking) is worth your money.
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The Spike Lee MasterClass used to cost $100, now you can get access to ALL masterclasses thanks to the MasterClass Annual Membership, by doing so, you will save close to 98% OFF what you would usually pay for getting access to all those masterclasses.

Background And History
Spike Lee is an American filmmaker known for his uncompromising and provocative approach to controversial subject matters. He is a versatile artist who writes and directs his films, he is also a talented actor, many consider the film Do The Right Thing to be his masterpiece, apart from writing and directing it, Jones also played the main character.
Content
1. Introduction
04:20
Meet your new instructor, writer/director/producer/professor: Spike Lee. Spike explains what he hopes you’ll gain from his class: the tools of film grammar (or visual storytelling) and the DIY spirit to make your own original, independent films.
2. Putting Words On Paper
16:56
Spike provides you with a blueprint of his writing process to help you write your script. Learn his index card technique, his disciplined writing practice, and his advice for writing with a partner.
3. Storytelling
11:07
Spike teaches you his techniques for writing bold, distinct characters, capturing two sides of a story, and creating stories that react to social injustice.
4. Speaking Truth to Power: On the Waterfront
09:40
Breaking down the director’s choices in one of his favorite films, Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront, Spike demonstrates how cinema can be a powerful tool for speaking the truth.
5. Spike's Film 101s Pt. 1
07:36
Learn Spike’s tips for creating realistic budgets and shooting schedules (and sticking to them), working on location, and how to make your crew feel appreciated.
6. Case Study: Financing Malcolm X
07:01
Spike recounts his battle to secure additional funds for Malcolm X to show you how self-reliance, self-determination, and dedication to your story can help finance a project.
7. Importance of Casting
20:37
“The wrong actors, the wrong roles could turn out the wrong movie.” Spike shares his tips for successful casting and his experiences casting some of his most infamous roles.
8. Collaborating With Your Director of Photography
09:00
Learn what to look for in a director of photography, including how to “audition” a DP and how to create a plan of action, once you’ve found the right collaborator.
9. Storytelling with Camera Coverage
10:43
Spike walks you through the iconic camera angles and techniques that have come to define his visual style. Then, he breaks down how he uses each to increase tension and heighten the drama.
10. Storyboards: Malcolm X
03:50
Using his original storyboards for the assassination scene in Malcolm X, Spike illustrates the construction of a scene, and the level of detail required to create the illusion of chaos.
11. Spike's Film 101s Pt. 2
08:18
For Spike, the take is a sacred moment. Learn his rules for managing your crew and running a set effectively in order to deliver the best possible takes.
12. Directing Actors
10:44
How can you inspire the best performance from your actor? Spike teaches his techniques for directing your actors with sensitivity and respect, including how to communicate and establish trust.
13. Collaborating and Improvising with Actors
10:14
Spike believes that a good director both commands and surrenders to the moment. Using scenes from He Got Game and School Daze, he shares tips on how to harness improvisational moments and adjust to story changes on-the-fly.
14. Opening Title Sequences
11:48
Analyzing opening title sequences from Mo’ Better Blues, 25th Hour, and BlacKkKlansman, Spike teaches the art of establishing tone in the first few minutes of your film.
15. Music Is Key
14:18
Spike shares his strategies for enhancing drama through music. Learn his advice for working with a composer, turning source into score, and using music as a counterpoint.
16. Editing
17:06
By taking a look at the inter-cutting technique in BlacKkKlansman, Spike demonstrates how he was able to create heightened drama and tonal balance in pivotal scenes.
17. Film as an Agent of Change
08:31
Spike discusses the filmmaker’s responsibility to bring diversity to the film industry, both on-screen and behind the scenes.
18. Storytelling for Documentaries
6:49
Examining his powerful nonfiction films When the Levees Broke and 4 Little Girls, Spike shares insights on how to handle true stories with passion and respect.
19. Closing
03:24
In his parting words, Spike reflects on what it takes to be an independent filmmaker and encourages you to take his tools and be a student of cinema.
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Pricing
The Spike Lee MasterClass used to cost $100, currently, for $180 you can get the MasterClass Annual Membership which also gives you access to this masterclass. With this membership you get one-year unlimited access to more than 100 masterclasses, this means that you'll save about 98% of the $10,000 you'd previously pay for 100 masterclasses.
MasterClass Annual Membership
-
$15/mo (Billed $180 for 1-year access)
MasterClass Annual Membership
What is included with the MasterClass Annual Membership? With the Masterclass Annual Membership you get access to the following masterclasses:
Cooking Masterclasses / Culinary Arts Masterclasses:
- Gabriela Cámara Teaches Mexican Cuisine
- Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I
- Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking II
- Aaron Franklin Teaches Texas-Style BBQ
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- Thomas Keller Teaches Cooking Techniques II
- Thomas Keller Teaches Cooking Techniques III
- Massimo Bottura Teaches Modern Italian Cuisine
- Wolfgang Teaches Cooking
- Lynnette Marrero & Ryan Chetiyawardana Teach Mixology
- Alice Waters Teaches the Art of Home Cooking
- Dominique Ansel Teaches French Pastry Fundamentals
- James Suckling Teaches Wine Appreciation
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- Yotam Ottolenghi Teaches Modern Middle Eastern Cooking
- Apollonia Poilane Teaches Bread Baking
- Niki Nakayama Teaches Modern Japanese Cooking
Film Masterclasses / Television Masterclasses:
- Natalie Portman Teaches Acting
- Samuel L. Jackson Teaches Acting
- Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking
- David Lynch Teaches Creativity and Film
- Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking
- Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting
- Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking
- Ron Howard Teaches Directing
- Judd Apatow Teaches Comedy
- Helen Mirren Teaches Acting
- Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking
- Spike Lee Teaches Indie Filmmaking
- Mira Nair Teaches Indie Filmmaking
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Nancy Cartwright Teaches Voice Acting
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Issa Rae Teaches Creating Outside the Lines
Lifestyle Masterclasses:
- Bobbi Brown Teaches Makeup and Beauty
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- Emily Morse Teaches Sex and Communication
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- Donna Farhi Teaches Yoga Foundations
Sculpture Masterclasses:
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Jeff Koons Teaches Art and Creativity
Writing Masterclasses:
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- Billy Collins Teaches Reading and Writing Poetry
- David Baldacci Teaches Mystery and Thriller Writing
- Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling
- Dan Brown Teaches Writing Thrillers
- Joyce Carol Oates Teaches the Art of the Storytelling
- David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing
- Malcolm Gladwell Teaches Writing
- Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing
- R.L. Stine Teaches Writing for Young Audiences
- Judy Blume Teaches Writing
- Walter Mosley Teaches Fiction and Storytelling
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Salman Rushdie Teaches Storytelling and Writing
- Roxane Gay Teaches Writing for Social Change
- N. K. Jemisin Teaches Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing
- Amy Tan Teaches Fiction, Memory, and Imagination
Sports Masterclasses:
- Stephen Curry Teaches Shooting, Ball-Handling, and Scoring
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- Simone Biles Teaches Gymnastics Fundamentals
- Tony Hawk Teaches Skateboarding
- Serena Williams Teaches Tennis
- Joe Holder Teaches Fitness and Wellness Fundamentals
- Wayne Gretzky Teaches Athlete's Mindset
Dance Masterclasses:
- Misty Copeland Teaches Ballet Technique and Artistry
- Parris Goebel Teaches Creativity in Choreography
Gambling Masterclasses:
Fashion Masterclasses:
- Marc Jacobs Teaches Fashion Design
- Diane von Furstenberg Teaches Building a Fashion Brand
- Tan France Teaches Style for Everyone
Architecture Masterclasses:
- Frank Gehry Teaches Design and Architecture
Gaming Masterclasses:
- Will Wright Teaches Game Design
Photography Masterclasses:
- Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
- Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography
- Tyler Mitchell Teaches Storytelling Through Portrait Photography
Business Masterclasses:
- RuPaul Teaches Self-Expression and Authenticity
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- Howard Schultz Teaches Business Leadership
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- Anna Wintour Teaches Creativity and Leadership
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- Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein Teach Advertising and Creativity
- Daniel Pink Teaches Sales and Persuasion
Politics Masterclasses / Society Masterclasses:
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- David Axelrod and Karl Rove Teach Campaign Strategy
Journalism Masterclasses:
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Music Masterclasses:
- Carlos Santana Teaches the Art and Soul of Guitar
- Christina Aguilera Teaches Singing
- Tom Morello Teaches Electric Guitar
- Danny Elfman Teaches Music for Film
- Hans Zimmer Teaches Film Scoring
- Herbie Hancock Teaches Jazz
- Timbaland Teache Producing and Beatmaking
- deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production
- Izhak Perlman Teaches Violin
- Reba McEntire Teaches Country Music
- Usher Teaches The Art of Performance
- Armin Van Buuren Teaches Dance Music
- Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion
- Jake Shimabukuro Teaches Ukelele
- St. Vincent Teaches Creativity and Songwriting
- Alicia Keys Teaches Songwriting and Producing
- Questlove Teaches Music Curation and DJing
Comedy Masterclasses:
- Steve Martin Teaches Comedy
Magic Masterclasses:
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Science Masterclasses:
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- Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration
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Mathew Walker Teaches Science of Better Sleep
Pets Masterclasses
- Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training
Real Estate Masterclasses
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Graphic Design Masterclasses
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MasterClass Pros & Cons
MasterClass: Pros
- Access more than 100 masterclasses
- World-renowned lecturers
- Great pricing
- Well established company
MasterClass: Cons
- None, really!
Spike Lee Masterclass Review: Verdict
MasterClass is definitely one of the best Education platforms available right now, whatever skills you're trying to learn, whichever knowledge you want to acquire, you're bound to find something that suits your needs.
The Spike Lee Masterclass is a great tool for filmmakers who just starting out, you'll learn how to do the most of what you have, you'll learn to have an efficient working method and how to express everything you have to say through your art, as in his films, Spike Lee is precise and efficient in delivering his message and passing on his knowledge.
Knowing as many skills as possible is crucial, it's essential for you to grow as an individual acquired knowledge on one field will help you in other fields too.
By offering a one-time payment of $180, MasterClass allows you to access a vast number of masterclasses for an extremely low price for the duration of an entire year, during that period you'll have more than enough time to watch every available masterclass and therefore greatly expand your skills and knowledge.
If you do the math and divide $180 by the roughly 100 available masterclasses, it means you'll only have to pay less than $2 per each of those masterclasses!
If you'd like to get the MasterClass Annual Membership, follow the link below and check if the 2 for 1 MasterClass discount is available!
