(After all, few men are “apologetically male.”) Somewhere out there, there may be celebrities whose personas suggest they are stupid, unsexy, passive, obedient, and timid, but they are few and far between. On the other hand, these adjectives are such bland positives that they could also be applied to Spike Jonze, or numerous other public figures. Hecht is also quoted by the Inquirer as saying that, in seeking a new name for TNN, “e were looking for a name that would reflect the attitude we wanted–smart, sexy, active, irreverent, slightly aggressive and unapologetically male.” Spike Lee’s complaint points that that all of these adjectives fit his own image as well.
#SPIKE TV FREE TV#
It shows that it is not just Lee himself who believes that “Spike TV” connotes “Spike Lee” the President of Spike TV himself seems to think so, too. I believe that this admission makes Lee’s case, which otherwise might seem to verge on megalomania, much more sympathetic. To be fair, Hecht is also quoted, in the same article, as saying he wanted to convey that Spike TV would be “cool,” and “aggressive,”” as in, “to spike a volleyball.” But clearly, Spike Lee’s image was among the connotations Hecht wanted “Spike TV” to conjure up. The most devastating fact in Lee’s favor is this: Hecht apparently admitted in interviews that Spike Lee was one of his major inspirations for his choosing the name “Spike TV.” According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Hecht’s role models were “Spike the macho vamp in Buffy the Vampire Slayer directors Spike Lee and Spike Jonze.” Afterwards, once viewers get invested in the branding, the defendants will have far more to lose.Īn Apparent Admission of Intent to Capitalize on Lee’s Reputation
Indeed, Lee was smart to sue now, because the defendants still have time to change Spike TV’s name, and the corresponding advertising, before its launch later this month. It might seem that Lee’s suit is simply an act of hubris–an attempt to virtually copyright the name “Spike.” But in fact, the suit may have some merit, and for this reason, Spike TV will be foolish if it fails to seriously consider choosing a new name. In addition to seeking an injunction prohibiting the defendants from using the name Spike TV, Lee also seeks money damages. Given these affiliations, it isn’t entirely unlikely that some viewers might believe, or at least wonder, if Spike Lee might be the man behind Spike TV.įor this reason, on June 2, in New York state court, Lee sued TNN, its corporate parents MTV and Viacom, and its President, Albie Hecht, alleging “right of publicity,” trademark, and other New York law claims. But it becomes a little less so in light of the fact that Lee has also worked as a pitchman for a number of companies–most famously, Nike–and, at times, produced less serious-minded fare such as “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Girl 6,” and “Summer of Sam.” He also is a partner in an advertising agency called SpikeDDB. The contrast between the two Spikes may seem stark. Spike TV–slated for a June 16 premiere, and currently known as TNN: The National Network–is, according to owner Viacom, Inc., “the first network for men.” The relaunched station will feature an animated cartoon voiced by Pamela Anderson called “Stripperella,” as well as the “Ren and Stimpy adult party cartoon.” Other original programming will focus on cars, cool technology, men’s health, and the stock market.
Spike Lee is a renowned filmmaker whose body of work includes the landmark features “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X,” as well as the acclaimed civil rights documentary “4 Little Girls.” His is a household name.
0 kommentar(er)
