Seven DVD Deal with Lions Gate and Tyler Perry

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By James Wray Mar 2, 2005, 20:54 GMT

Lions Gate Home Entertainment, a division of Lions Gate Entertainment (NYSE:LGF) Toronto, has acquired the home video distribution rights for the works of Tyler Perry, it was announced today by Lions Gate Entertainment President Steve Beeks.The seven-DVD deal comes on the heels of the powerful $21.9 million opening weekend gross of the first-ever feature film adaptation of one of Mr. Perry's works, DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN, as well as Lions Gate Films' recent announcement to produce and distribute Perry's second adaptation for the big screen, MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION, slated for a February 2006 theatrical release.The deal is part of Lions Gate's combined feature film and home video initiative to bring the works of Tyler Perry, already established as the leading force in American urban theatre, to a broader national audience.Lions Gate will continue to grow the Tyler Perry franchise with a year-long celebration of Perry's incredibly popular plays, which have resulted in a huge following among African-American theatre communities. The agreement reflects Lions Gate's overall strategy of allying itself with world-class, brand name partners in all of its businesses.The deal is designed to create long-term brand value for Mr. Perry's works, which combine comedy and gospel music and take on the core issues in the human condition portrayed within the rich context of African-American cultures and experiences. This agreement, combined with Lions Gate's home video release of DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN later this year, brings to the retail DVD market for the first time a highly successful slate of plays that will have generated more than $100 million in theatre box office and merchandise sales by the end of 2005. The plays include: "Madea's Class Reunion," "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," "Madea's Family Reunion," "Meet the Browns," "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Madea Goes to Jail." One additional title will be named later. Four of the DVD's in the agreement will be released in conjunction with Lions Gate's early summer 2005 home video release of DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN."Tyler Perry is a huge talent with an enormous grass roots following who, until last weekend's release of our theatrical box office hit DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN, was largely unknown outside the African-American community," said Beeks. "We believe that the DVD releases of these seven plays will complement our feature films in bringing Tyler Perry's humor, faith, compassion and popularity to a greatly expanded national audience, building a remarkable new franchise in the process. Tyler's work, which has already made him an icon among African-American theatregoers, embodies universal themes that we are confident will resonate with consumers of all ages and backgrounds."Beeks noted that Peter Block, Lions Gate President of Acquisitions, Television and Co-productions, "has played his usual integral role in bringing the Tyler Perry franchise to Lions Gate overall and negotiating this DVD deal in particular."Perry added, "While I am well aware of my core audience and how they want me to tell a story, I have also always been mindful to keep each play universal, so that no matter where you come from, or what your race is, you can relate to it. I am appreciative of Lions Gate's support and feel lucky to have them working with me to deliver my message to a broader audience through our continued partnership."Thirty-five-year-old playwright, director, producer and actor Tyler Perry is a New Orleans native who, within the span of only six years, went from being homeless to selling out theaters with his seriocomic productions which detail the African-American experience. With seven shows, beginning with the landmark "I Know I've Been Changed," having successfully toured the nation, Perry has made history, becoming the first urban theater actor to be nominated for the prestigious Helen Hayes Award. His works have received rave reviews and have sold out houses across the nation, including his most recent, "Madea Goes to Jail" and "Madea's Class Reunion." Although Perry plays multiple characters in many of his plays in addition to writing, producing and directing, his most popular creation is Madea, the 68-year-old grandmother who speaks her mind and doesn't hold back.The deal was negotiated by Peter Block for Lions Gate, Matt Johnson and Wendy Heller of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca & Fischer LLP and Charles King of the William Morris Agency for Tyler Perry.Source: Lions Gate Entertainment

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Ashley A.Mar 12th, 2005 - 22:24:43

GO TYLER!!! We knew that you wouldn't let Hollywood change you!! All is done in God's time, and we know that you know this. Continue to teach God's lessons and his work.

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Mary SMar 14th, 2005 - 16:17:15

From the first play that I saw I knew that tyler was one of God's children and I love him with all my heart and soul. I saw medea goes to jail and it was a hit. Keep on working your spirit on the public and serving God

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LatashaMar 27th, 2005 - 21:10:37

Tyler baby I love all of your work. Every holiday I entertain my family with all of your plays
KEEP UP ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK!!!!
(ABSOLUTELY 1 SATISFIED CUSTOMER)

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nathanielApr 3rd, 2005 - 12:40:25

when will it be on dvd (madea goes to jail)because i am a big fan but the play will not come to augusta georgia

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Lacrease Walker of DetroirApr 18th, 2005 - 02:22:21

Hello Tyler!
I am so proud of you, I cant wait till you come back to Detroit for Madea Goes To Jail. I was there April 1 at the Fox, and will be returning again June 17. I am so excited about your book coming out next year. That will give me something to look forward too, just after the movie is released. I know you are a busy man, enjoy the cruise, and have fun. God Bless you and I love you.

Your gurl
La'Crease Walker
DEtroit, Michigan
June 17, 2005
Fox Theatre

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eezybabyMay 17th, 2005 - 08:01:37

I don't think Tyler should be compromising with Lions Gate to make DVD's of the plays he is already selling. They just want to make money off of his talent, he is doing good by himself. I understand the merge for mvies but why put the plays on dvd when they already are?

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Crysteena bulokJan 13th, 2006 - 21:01:07

I want to know when madea goes to jail is on dvd.

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ChantalApr 2nd, 2006 - 16:22:46

I love your plays.My favorite was Madea's Class Reunion it was funny.I have the dvds at home.I brought Diary of Mad Black Woman The Movie,Madea Class Reuion, Meet the Browns I can do bad all by myself and Diary of Mad Black Women The Play.It was so funny and my mother like it.It teach you a lesson.I want to get Madea's goes to jail and Why did I get Married.I saw Madea Family Reunion The Movie.My favorite part was when the man hit the lady and you said cook the crix and pour the hot crix on him.Ihope you make Class Reunion a movie, Meet the Browns a Movie I can do all by myself a movie and Medea goes to jail a Movie.I love Tamela Mann She know how to sing in all the Movie and Plays I saw. You do a lot good things.God Bless.
I LIKE tyler Perry Movies and plays.I always try act like you.One day I which I can SING lIKE cora.

FROM:CHANTAL CLOUDEN
AGE:12

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camilla mcgheeAug 27th, 2007 - 01:50:07

dear tyler perry I just love all of your plays I enjoy each and every last one of them I have been trying to get some information on how can I become a part of your play because I am interresting being on some of your plays so will you please call me at this number 404-752-8831 home or sell at 404-587-3628 please call me
thanks

camilla

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