According to the Nov 1983 American Film, filmmaker Charlie Ahearn first met graffiti artist “Lee” George Quiñones in 1977 and was introduced to New York City’s “‘hip-hop’ subculture” while Ahearn was making a martial arts picture. The title, Wild Style, describes the jagged style of lettering used in graffiti. An article in the 22 Nov 1983 Village Voice stated that Ahearn was planning another martial arts film in 1980, until associate producer-music director Frederick Brathwaite convinced him to develop a feature that would exhibit the talents of local artists, dancers, and rappers. Ahearn received grants from television stations ZDF in West Germany and Channel 4 in England, and from the New York State Council on the Arts. The film was completed for $500,000, although American Film estimated the budget at $200,000, which included contributions from private investors. The picture was photographed on 16mm film and blown-up to 35mm for theatrical exhibition.
       Ahearn cast most of the actors as themselves, or as characters based on themselves: Quiñones, Sandra “Pink” Fabara, and Andrew “Zephyr” Witten were actual graffiti artists, and Niva Kislac was an art patron. The romance depicted between Quiñones and Fabara was authentic as well. Although the dialogue was scripted, Ahearn allowed the actors to use their own words if they desired. All the actors lived in the same Bronx, NY, neighborhood, near Boston Road and 167th Street, also the location for much of the photography. Neighborhood residents were recruited as background actors, although none were compensated, due to the small budget. Many gladly volunteered, however, for the opportunity to meet the cast members, most of whom were local celebrities. Ahearn stated that he discovered Vernon “Pookie” Daniels and Kennedy Lee Howard, whom he cast as “gangsters,” after they appeared as background actors in a nightclub scene. They refused the prop pistols supplied by Ahearn, preferring to use their own sawed-off shotgun.
       The 25 Feb 1983 Village Voice announced the film’s 18 Mar 1983 premiere at the New Directors/New Films festival at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. It debuted in Los Angeles, CA, at the Filmex festival on 16 Apr 1983.
       On 7 Mar 1983, HR reported that Irvin Shapiro, owner of Films Around the World, acquired worldwide representation rights for the picture. Four months later, Shapiro sold international rights to Daiei International Films, Inc., according to the 12 Jul 1983 HR. Daiei partnered with Seibu, a Japanese conglomerate, to plan a “massive marketing campaign,” prior to the film’s Oct 1983 release. The 4 Oct 1983 HR stated that twenty-five cast members would embark on a promotional tour of Japan. Shapiro sold domestic distribution rights to First Run Features, which planned a New York City opening in late Oct 1983. Wild Style opened 23 Nov 1983 in New York City, as reported in the 23 Nov 1983 Var. A national release was planned for Jan 1984.
       The 5 Dec 1983 HR announced gross earnings of $38,605 for first five days of the film’s New York City engagement at the Embassy Cinema, despite a modest advertising budget. First Run reportedly distributed “tens of thousands of handbills” in high schools, nightclubs, and outside of movie theaters. Following a series of test screenings for “inner-city teenagers,” First Run determined that this was the best method of reaching the target audience, along with the distribution of posters, and badges throughout the New York City area, and recruiting several performers from the film for break-dancing exhibitions around the city. In addition, a video screen on the exterior of the Embassy Cinema displayed a trailer for the picture. An estimated $25,000-30,000 was spent on promotion, $15,000 of which was dedicated to advertising in both major and community newspapers, excluding NYT. A subway campaign was planned for the film’s citywide release at the end of the month. However, First Run anticipated less elaborate campaigns for openings in other cities.
       The 24 Dec 1983 Screen International estimated the picture’s earnings at $100,000 in its first three weeks at the Embassy Cinema, making it the highest grossing release in the theater’s ten-year history. Other engagements were planned throughout the New York City area over the next week. Wild Style opened in Boston, MA, on 9 Dec 1983, followed by Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles. Reviews were generally positive.
      End credits conclude with the following statement: “Special thanks…East River Park Amphitheatre Restoration, Inc.; Collaborative Projects, Inc.; N.Y. State Council on the Arts; Mr. Magic; Henry Chalfant; Rafix; Tracy 168-Wild Style; Lee; Lady Pink; Fab Five Freddy; Crash; Daze; Lac; Cel; Chico; Futura; Caz; Obe; Iz the Wiz; Noc; Frosty; Mare; King Kase; Kel; Shy 148; Cos; Mitch 77; Phase II; Duro; Munt; Aeron; Blade; Seen-Ua; Mad; P. J.; Disco-Med; Vinny; Sonic; Stuff; Tuff; Wrek; Rach; Sno; Scop; Notch; Werk; Lil’ Seen; Doze; T. Kid; Revolt; and of course many, many others….”