Lee remembered: Michael Jackson said to me, Dont ever use the term music video.
They called me up Nike want to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
It was a great honour they wanted to bring back Mars Blackmon for it.
Spike Lee at Cannes Lions Festival 2023Marian Brannelly/Cannes Lions
There was no way I could turn it down, he added.
They called me up, said they liked the film, said we want you to do a commercial.
you could direct it.
Youll play Mars Blackmon and we want Michael Jordan.
At the time, Michael Jordan had not seen a film, nor knew what one was.
That started my relationship with Nike and Brand Jordan.
I dont think any of us could have predicted the impact those commercials would have on the world.
Looking back, it was a blessing that this whole happened.
Lee was similarly feted by Levis following the success of his filmDo the Right Thing.
We were young and foolish.
Directing commercials is very lucrative.
Its not something I set out to do, added Lee.
It was not planned.
Im still doing commercials.
