This movie tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of combat pilots during the Second World War. These African-American pilots needed to overcome racism and discrimination to become the Tuskegee Airmen. They were the first legendary pilots of American military history. To distinguish them, the tails of their planes were painted red.
Lucas decided to hire Ridley after watching L.A. Riots, a screenplay Ridley wrote for director Spike Lee. Ridley has met some of these pilots who are still alive.