In a coup of sorts, Amazon has roped in Oscar-nominated director Spike Lee for its next film. The film interestingly titled as ‘Chiraq’ reportedly portrays the Chicago city and its gun battles.(Chiraq is a mashup of Chicago and Iraq.) Lee is reportedly pursuing stars like Samuel L. Jackson and native Chicagoans Jeremy Piven, Common and Kanye West to star in the movie. Avengers star Jackson is expected to do a cameo in the film.

Amazon and Netflix, in recent times, have been attempting at creating original content for TV series to get more eyeballs and profits and, at the same time set themselves apart from competitive cable channels like HBO. Some of the examples include House of Cards, Orange Is The New Black and Transparent.

So, the deal apparently marks the first big splash for Amazon Original Movies and Amazon Studio Venture in movie production, meant both for theatrical release and Prime Instant Video streaming.

Amazon had announced in January that it would be producing 12 feature films every year for those filmmakers who are struggling to mount daring stories that deserve an audience. Going by that philosophy, it seems Lee will fit the bill. Spike Lee despite being a successful director and all, had to produce the risqué Da Sweet Blood of Jesus through Kickstarter.