Podcast Summary: Keep It Positive, Sweetie

Episode: The Process of Storytelling w/ Malcolm D. Lee

Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Malcolm D. Lee
Date: August 17, 2025

Overview

This episode of "Keep It Positive, Sweetie" features celebrated filmmaker and author Malcolm D. Lee in a deep and candid conversation with host Crystal Renee Hayslett. The duo discuss Lee’s journey from his upbringing in New York to his rise in Hollywood, the legacy of "The Best Man," principles of Black storytelling, creative process, industry insider experiences, and his venture into novel writing. The episode is rich with insights about perseverance, authentic cultural representation, and the evolution of Lee's career—offering inspiration to creatives and fans alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Malcolm D. Lee’s Early Life and Influences

• Background: Raised in Queens and Brooklyn, New York.
• Education: Attended predominantly white prep schools; later, Georgetown University and NYU Film School ([01:38–03:20]).
• Family & Artistic Roots: Both parents were educators; grew up surrounded by arts and encouraged creative endeavors.
• Influence of Spike Lee: Malcolm is Spike Lee’s cousin; observed Spike’s early film journey and worked with him on several films like "She’s Gotta Have It," "Malcolm X," and "Clockers" ([04:11–05:00]).
• Legacy of Education: Family attended HBCUs; emphasis on education and creative pursuit.

Quote:

"He demonstrated that it was possible to have a career in this industry...movies, television shape attitudes and culture and can affect people's views of humanity. So I've always taken it very seriously." — Malcolm D. Lee ([05:00])

2. Navigating Dual Worlds: Black Experience in White Spaces

• Code-Switching & Authenticity: Lee describes the duality of growing up Black in white academic spaces while rooted in a Black Brooklyn neighborhood ([06:28–07:01]).
• Influence on Storytelling: Exposure to diverse Black identities, dialects, and backgrounds fed his desire to create layered, authentic Black characters.
• Critique of Stereotypes: Frustration with narrow movie depictions of Blackness spurred Lee to show educated Black characters with true cultural specificity.

Quote:

"I drew on my experiences to create characters that I thought were more authentically presented...movies that preceded 'The Best Man,' like 'Love Jones' and 'Soul Food,'...were truer depictions of the black people that I interacted with." — Malcolm D. Lee ([08:51])

3. The Genesis of "The Best Man"

• Original Script "Feast and Famine": Malcolm’s early attempts struggled for funding, leading him to write something “so commercial” it would sell: "The Best Man" ([09:39–10:43]).
• Strategic Timing: Finished the script aligned with the successful release of "Soul Food," hoping studios would seek similar projects ([12:12–13:18]).
• Path to Greenlight: Several rejections before Universal finally greenlit the film after Spike Lee's encouragement and strategic negotiation on rewrites ([13:52–15:29]).

Quote:

"If this ain’t it, I don’t know what they want." — Malcolm D. Lee, on finishing "The Best Man" ([11:59])

"After you become ... the prom queen, everybody wants to dance." — Malcolm D. Lee, on the aftermath of box office success ([17:22])

4. Success, Ego, and Career Evolution

• Initial Success: "The Best Man" opened #1 at the box office, grossed $34–35 million on a $9 million budget ([16:29–16:36]).
• Navigating Industry Attention: Early success brought both opportunity and ego; initially resistant to directing scripts he hadn’t written, which he later viewed as shortsighted ([17:58–18:47]).
• Longevity and Relevance: Lee aspired for "The Best Man" to become a classic and expresses gratitude for its generational resonance ([20:04–21:32]).

Quote:

"My intention in making The Best Man was to make a classic...that would stand the test of time, that would resonate for decades and generations." — Malcolm D. Lee ([20:13])

5. Creative Process of Writing and Storytelling

• Evolution Over Time: Early reliance on inspiration (“waiting for the muse”); now recognizes writing as both art and discipline ([23:32–24:19]).
• Embracing Drafts: Advocates writing through bad drafts as a vital part of reaching quality work ([24:19]).
• Maintaining Joy: Finds joy in the emotional resonance of his writing—laughter and tears ([24:24]).
• Daily Practice: Starts his writing with meditation and brain dumps; emphasizes the importance of writing something every day ([25:03]).

Quote:

"You're always going to write the crappy draft. You have to write the crappy draft...Because screenwriting and now I've found out novel writing is all about rewriting." — Malcolm D. Lee ([24:19])

6. Patience and the Long Game in the Industry

• Comparisons and Perseverance: Early impatience comparing himself to John Singleton and Orson Welles; learned to practice perseverance and patience ([25:50–26:13]).
• Handling Slow Periods: Describes reinventing himself during industry lulls, transitioning into television and using branding ("Best Man") to revitalize opportunities ([27:51]).
• Life Balance & Family: Importance of a supportive spouse in maintaining work-life balance and making strategic career decisions ([28:14–29:58]).

Quote:

"If you don't go through certain things, you're not gonna learn." — Malcolm D. Lee ([19:40])

7. Hollywood’s Changing Landscape

• Industry Challenges: Discusses the contraction of the industry, impact of writers’ and actors’ strikes, and studios’ risk aversion to original content ([31:09–31:55]).
• IP and Adaptation: Studios increasingly favor recognizable IP ("Jurassic Park," "Mission Impossible") over new ideas; book adaptations and built-in audiences are favored ([31:56–32:37]).

8. Transition to Novel Writing

• Three-Book Deal: Lee is launching a trilogy, extending the stories of "The Best Man" universe ([32:49–33:00]).
• Differences in Form: Explains contrasts between screenwriting (focused, structured) and novel writing (expansive, introspective, engaging all senses) ([33:00–34:53]).
• Collaboration: Partnered with established novelist Jane Allen for co-writing ([35:18]).
• Why Now?: Driven by love for the written word, need for expansive storytelling, and fan demand ([34:57–36:39]).
• Storytelling Depth: Novels allow deeper dives into character psychology and backstories not possible on screen ([34:53]).

Quote:

"With a book, you're able to get into their subconscious...it's a fantastic, more expansive way of storytelling." — Malcolm D. Lee ([34:53])

9. The Discipline and Reality of Being a Storyteller

• Lonely But Rewarding: The creative process is often isolating and requires discipline and self-motivation ([39:20–40:19]).
• Character-Driven Prewriting: Emphasizes starting with character, backstory, and tone before plotting ([40:32–41:26]).
• Research: Example—traveled to Ghana to authentically capture settings and experience for his new novel ([41:58–42:18]).
• Evolution as a Writer: Feels more skilled and trusting of the material and characters as his career matures ([45:14]).
• Life Mirroring Art: Elements of his own life, such as midlife reflection and personal growth, echo in his characters, though storylines are not strictly autobiographical ([47:36–48:21]).

Quote:

"It's a lonely process...It requires discipline and perseverance...Because no one's telling you 'you have to reach this many pages a day.'" — Malcolm D. Lee ([39:20])

10. Fan Impact and Legacy

• Cultural Resonance: The depiction and normalization of Black humanity in his work is Lee’s most treasured legacy ([22:12]).
• Fan Response: New book is flying off the shelves; readers binging 500-page novels in days, often envisioning the characters as their on-screen counterparts ([49:50–51:47]).
• Reader Experience: The book is described as cinematic—a "page-turner" with humor, emotion, and surprises.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the intention behind "The Best Man":

  "My intention in making The Best Man was to make a classic." — Malcolm D. Lee ([20:13])

• On authenticity:

  "I've always wanted to tell a universal story with Black people...all the stories are very universal. There's a lot of cultural specificity, and I always want to do that with my work." — Malcolm D. Lee ([22:12])

• On the impact of success:

  "After you become...the prom queen, everybody wants to dance." — Malcolm D. Lee ([17:22])

• On discipline in writing:

  "It's a lonely process. It requires discipline and perseverance...No one’s telling you like, oh, you gotta reach this many pages in a day." — Malcolm D. Lee ([39:20])

• On creative collaboration:

  "It's always good to get input, and that generates good, healthy discussion. That generates ideas." — Malcolm D. Lee ([38:56])

• On storytelling mirroring life:

  "I am still married. And as much as I've been on the grind...like Jordan...trying to find a balance. So that's been healthy as well." — Malcolm D. Lee ([48:22])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:38] Malcolm Lee's upbringing and education
• [04:11] Working with cousin Spike Lee and influence on career
• [06:28] Navigating dual cultural realities growing up
• [09:39] Writing and selling "The Best Man"
• [13:52] Getting "The Best Man" greenlit
• [16:29] Box office success and industry impact
• [23:32] Creative process and daily writing practice
• [31:09] State of Hollywood and impact of the strikes
• [32:49] Expanding "The Best Man" universe into novels
• [39:20] The solitary and disciplined nature of storytelling
• [41:58] Research trip to Ghana for novel authenticity
• [47:36] Reflection on how storytelling mirrors real life
• [49:50] Book’s strong sales and fan excitement
• [53:34] What brings Malcolm D. Lee joy right now

Closing Rapid-Fire Q&A Highlights ([52:02–53:51])

• First script ever written: "Morningside Prep"
• Favorite film he didn't direct: "Parenthood"
• Book that changed his life: "Native Son"
• Most surreal career moment: Shooting at Essence Festival for "Girls Trip"
• Favorite author: Richard Wright
• Favorite fictional character: "Maybe Quentin...I love all these, I love all my characters."
• What brings most joy now?: "Life in general ... balance. Kids are healthy, wife's behind in my corner, I got a book coming out. My career is doing well. I'd like to make a little bit more money, but other than that, I'm good."

Final Takeaways

Malcolm D. Lee’s episode is a heartfelt and practical masterclass on storytelling, perseverance, and the authentic depiction of Black lives. His candor about the highs and lows of Hollywood, the necessity of reinvention, and the enduring power of community-centric stories offers invaluable perspective for anyone navigating creative or professional pursuits.

For fans and aspiring storytellers, this episode affirms:

• The lasting impact of authentic, human stories.
• The importance of discipline, resilience, and adaptability in creative careers.
• The significance of legacy and representation in arts and culture.

"If you love Best Man, or if you even like Best Man, you're going to love this book. It's more of the same. The humor is there. There's a depth of emotion that's there. There's going to be some surprises."
— Malcolm D. Lee ([50:45])