Monty Ross
| Monty Ross | |
|---|---|
| Born |
March 7, 1957 United States |
| Occupation | Film producer |
| Height | 6'1" (1.87 m) |
Monty Ross is an American filmmaker. He is most recognized from his work with Spike Lee including, She's Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X.
Film making
Ross is most notable for co-producing films with Spike Lee, with whom he co-founded 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks.[1] They first met at Morehouse College, where both took film making courses.[2] Ross appeared in Lee's Masters degree thesis film, Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads.[3] He co-produced many films with Lee through the 1980s and 1990s, including She's Gotta Have It, School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X and Crooklyn.[4]
Following the production of Crooklyn, Ross took a seven-year break from 40 Acres. Most of this break involved producing Keep the Faith, Baby, a biopic about Adam Clayton Powell Jr. He also produced Escaping Jersey and directed Reasons during this period.[4]
On re-joining 40 Acres, Ross became the coordinator for the company's community outreach programmes, recruiting interns to assist with the production of Inside Man.[5] Ross currently is the producer for a film in production, King Dog.
Theatre
As well as filmmaking, Ross is also involved with Atlanta Street Theatre, where he spent some of his early career as an actor.[5]
Personal life
Ross was born in Omaha, Nebraska, his parents divorced when he was young. He is married to Carol Ross.[4]
The Present
Ross now lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with his family. He has a young son named Austin Ross who also follows his path in film making.
References
- ↑ David Nicholson (February 5, 1996), Newport News native tries his hand at making films, The Free Lance-Start, p. D5
- ↑ CAU Alumnus and filmmaker Monty Ross and Spike Lee Honored by Clark Atlanta University (PDF), Clark Atlanta University, July 12, 2009, retrieved June 23, 2013
- ↑ Nick Smithville (December 3, 2010), Black History Month: A Look at Spike Lee's First Film – 'We Cut Heads', Yahoo, retrieved June 23, 2013
- 1 2 3 Leo Adam Biga (2010), Monty Ross Talks About Making History with Spike Lee, The Reader
- 1 2 Monty Ross, 40 Acres and a Mule, Made in NY, February 1, 2006, retrieved June 23, 2013