MUMBAI: Lionsgate and media superstar Tyler Perry have extended their first look partnership through a new multi-year arrangement for films and home entertainment. Lionsgate has been the filmmaker’s home since his breakthrough theatrical box office hit Diary Of A Mad Black Woman revolutionized the film world in February 2005.
Lionsgate will continue to distribute Perry’s films and is already slated to release Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family on 22 April, 2011 and the upcoming Perry produced We The Peeples. Future projects will include two additional Madea franchise films, with the option of additional films with Perry attached as a producer, writer, director and/or star, to be made in conjunction with Perry’s production companies 34th Street Films, Very Perry Films, and Tyler Perry Studios. Lionsgate will also continue to distribute Perry’s enormously popular DVD’s based on his hit films and from his large catalog of plays and other material.
"Tyler Perry is one of the most powerful and unique entertainment brands in the world today, with a fan base that is virtually unrivalled in its loyalty and passion. Lionsgate and Tyler have grown together for many years, and we look forward to pushing the envelopes of our businesses together for many years to come. Tyler is a remarkable creative force, and it is a privilege to support his efforts to continue to enlarge his audience and extend his creative reach," said Lionsgate co-chairman and CEO Jon Feltheimer.
Lionsgate president of motion picture development and production Michael Paseornek added, "We know that audiences want more Madea, and we are thrilled that Tyler continues to respond to them. We are also excited to see where the journey that started with producing and presenting Precious and continued with his adaptation of For Colored Girls takes Tyler and Lionsgate in the future. We’re inspired that he has chosen to mentor up and coming filmmakers and will be producing additional projects of all genres on their behalf, like the upcoming fish out of water comedy We The Peeples. Most of all, we are delighted that Tyler remains part of our Lionsgate family and we can continue to serve as the platform for his singular and resonant voice."
"Together, Lionsgate and I have built the ideal filmmaker/studio relationship, and I’m thrilled that it will be continuing. We share an entrepreneurial spirit and have a great business rapport. But more importantly, Lionsgate has been incredibly affirming of my relationship with my audience – I’ve always had the artistic freedom to speak what I want, how I want, and when I want through my films," said Perry.
Tyler Perry’s 10 films for Lionsgate in the past six years have grossed more than $520 million at the North American box office, and his films, stage plays and DVDs have sold more than 40 million DVD and digital units.
