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Malik Hassan Sayeed: A Cinematic Journey From Spike Lee to Stanley Kubrick

From lighting shows at Howard University to shooting New York streets for Kubrick, Sayeed's versatile career defines cinema.

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Malik Hassan Sayeed: A Cinematic Journey From Spike Lee to Stanley Kubrick

Malik Hassan Sayeed, a renowned cinematographer, has had a diverse and illustrious career spanning decades. He began his journey in film with Spike Lee's 'Jungle Fever' and later collaborated with prominent directors like Luca Guadagnino and Stanley Kubrick.

Sayeed's career took off when he was given his first major opportunity by Spike Lee. He went on to work with Lee on several films, including 'Malcolm X', 'Clockers', 'Girl 6', 'He Got Game', and 'The Original Kings of Comedy'.

During his time at Howard University, Sayeed worked as an electrician and rigged lights at shows, honing his skills in lighting and cinematography. This experience led him to form a creative partnership with Hype Williams, defining hip-hop and R&B video styles in the 1990s. Sayeed also served as cinematographer for Williams' feature film debut, 'Belly'.

After a hiatus, Sayeed returned to feature films, working with Luca Guadagnino on 'After the Hunt'. Interestingly, Sayeed initially aspired to be an architect, but his passion for filmmaking led him to a successful career in cinematography. He also collaborated with Stanley Kubrick on 'Eyes Wide Shut', shooting New York street footage.

Malik Hassan Sayeed's career is marked by his versatility and collaborations with renowned directors. From his early work with Spike Lee to his later projects with Luca Guadagnino and Stanley Kubrick, Sayeed has left an indelible mark on cinema as a skilled and innovative cinematographer.

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