All Entries Tagged With: "Tyler Perry"
Event Recap: Q&A Reception for New Cast of Tyler Perry’s “The Have’s and the Have Nots” & “Love Thy Neighbor” On OWN
On Tuesday, May 14, the the 135th Agency hosted a private Q&A reception for the cast of The Have’s and the Have Nots and Love Thy Neighbor. The event held at Peter Thomas’s (of Real Housewives of Atlanta) local restaurant and lounge bar ONE. The event was held to give the local media outlets in Atlanta the opportunity to find out more about Tyler Perry’s two new scripted series. Both series are scheduled to air on May 28 and 29 on the OWN Network. As you know, Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have teamed up to air several new shows written, directed, and produced by Mr. Perry. Although Turner Broadcasting (TBS) continue to show reruns of Mr. Perry’s other shows like House of Payne on their network, Tyler is no longer affiliated with that channel.
Anyway, the atmostphere at bar ONE was quaint and a little steamy. Apparently, there may have been too many people inside because the place was very warm. Luckily, the actresses had their glam squad’s on deck to touch up their make-up. If not, paparrazi shots would have looked a hot sweaty mess. Nevertheless, delicious bite-size pickings were passed around the room and drinks flowed. The DJ did a great job at maintaining the chill vibe in the room. Overall, this was a great event for various media outlets and onlookers to get the opportunity to know more about a few familiar faces and unfamiliar ones.
Cast members who were present to field questions from The Have’s and the Have Nots were John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard), Tika Sumpter (One Life to Live/Gossip Girls), Crystal Fox (In The Heat of the Night). Also, several from the second new show Love Thy Neighbor were in attendance as well like Patricia Lovely (first African-American ring master/UniverSoul Circus and seasoned stage play actress), Kendra C. Johnson (The Game & Empowermen Editor/PLUS Model Magazine), and Palmer Williams Jr. (House of Payne). One interesting moment occured when someone asked the cast how was like to meet Oprah for the first time. Several had stories to share. But, Palmer Williams Jr’s story of meeting Oprah in Chicago and she served him fried chicken was a little funny.
Here are a few pictures from the Q&A event:
R to L: John Schneider, Renee Lawless, & Tika Sumpter
Tika Sumpter
Syleena Johson (R&B Divas)
Derek Blanks (celebrity photographer & director)
Please be sure to catch The Have’s and the Have Nots on OWN, Tuesday, May 28 at 9PM EST and Love Thy Neighbor on Wednesday, May 29 at 9PM EST. If you’re a big fan of Tyler Perry projects, then you will surely enjoy the two new series.
Thanks Saptosa Foster and the 135th Agency for the invite!
Tyler Perry’s “Peeples” Coming Soon
Tyler Perry seems to be moving right along when it comes to extending his resume of films.
Next to hit the big screen for Perry is the upcoming comedy film, Peeples. The film stars Kerry Washington and Craig Robinson. Others starring in the film includes David Alan Grier, Diahann Carroll, Melvin Van Peebles, S. Epatha Merkerson and Tyler Williams.
Perry co-produced the Lionsgate film which was written and directed by Tina Gordan Chism. Here’s the gist of what Peeples is all about according to the film’s website…
Sparks fly when Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) crashes the preppy Peeples annual reunion in the Hamptons to ask for their precious daughter Grace’s (Kerry Washington) hand in marriage. Wade might be a fish-out-of-water among this seemingly perfect East Coast clan, but he’s not about to let himself flounder. Instead, in a wild weekend of fun, dysfunction and hilarious surprises, Wade is about to discover there’s more room for all kinds of Peeples in this family, no matter their differences. Writer and first-time director Tina Gordon Chism (writer of DRUMLINE) joins forces with Tyler Perry to present a laugh-out-loud look at the family ties that freak us out…but bind us together with love.
Check out the trailer below…
Peeples hits theaters Friday, May 10, 2013.
Should Friends Do Business Together?; Tyler & Oprah Set Ground Rules
Photo courtesy of OWN
The best ideas often are derived when you and some friends are sitting around thinking of ways to make money. Every now and then, one of those ideas strike a cord and end up becoming a full-fledge business. So, as friends, you know become business partners. The journey of making the business successful are sometimes filled with a lot of disagreements and lack of better judgment. When this happens, the friends are now at a crossroad which oftentimes cause the demise of the business. So the question is…Do partnerships between friends really work?
We hear of stories where two friends start a business, but not being able to put differences aside end up hurting the business. Whether it is disagreements on how the company should operate, who should handle the finances, or isn’t doing their fair share of the work, these are the type of issues that can arise. So, what should friends do in this case?
Well, as you know, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry have joined together to bring several new shows to the OWN network. The two besties have established a pretty tight bond over the years. With Oprah’s television cable channel need to add more diverse programming, Tyler Perry’s expertise seemed like a great fit for OWN. This month marks the start of their joint venture. Tyler will be producing several new shows for OWN. But, many wonders if his addition will spark a new and profitable beginning at OWN. If it doesn’t, how will Oprah react?
In case you’re wondering what ground rules the two established prior to going into this venture, Tyler expressed his thoughts in the recent issue of Essence Magazine.
“The most important thing about coming together was making sure we would not lose our friendship because of the business. We had to establish ground rules,” Perry, 43, says.
He continues, “The main one: Both of us have to continue to live in our truth. If she doesn’t like something, say it. If I don’t like something, I’ll say it. And we’ll figure it out and keep moving on…”
Sounds simple enough, huh? Both parties should set some ground rules so that there would be no hard feelings if the business partnership didn’t work out. Secondly, put it in writing. Partnerships should be spelled out in a contract agreement. This way, if millions of dollars are involved, friends can just take it to court and let the judge decide. At the end of the day, you have to decide what is more important…the friendship or the business.
Tyler Perry’s ‘Temptation’ Rakes In Est. $22 Million + Personal Note To Supporters
Well, well, well…Tyler Perry is continuing to surprise Hollywood with great box office numbers. His recent release ‘Temptation’ opened in theaters on Friday, March 29. The current estimated weekend box office sales are approximately $22 million. Even though the story line isn’t new when it comes to love and infidelity, the community didn’t mind. These are good numbers and shows that all African-American casts are still appreciated by movie goers.
To show his appreciation, Tyler Perry even took to his blog to express his love to all of those who went out to see the film. He wrote…
Hey Happy Easter,
Well, where can I start? I just want to say thank you for going to see Temptation at the movie theaters. You have no idea what this means to me. After 14 movies you are still coming, and many more people have joined in to support what I do. I say this often but you need to know it’s true, I never assume that you are going to show up, but thank you for doing so. Because you went to the movies to see this film all of my employees are very happy at Tyler Perry Studios…LOL. Just know I’m grateful.
I’ve been hanging out all weekend on my message board and on Facebook to see what you thought and wow! Some of the most powerful things I have ever read are on my message board. Thank you for opening up your lives and sharing your stories – stories of betrayal and of your own temptation, but most of all thank you for letting me know that this movie gave you hope or a new outlook, which is what it’s all about for me. There were several testimonials of how this movie has spoken to marriages. One person wrote, “Thank you for this film, now I have closure.” Several of you said that I must have been peeking in your window because this movie was too close to home. Another lady said that she left feeling hopeful, and another couple went home talking about how this movie stopped both of them from making the wrong decision. You have no idea how this moves me.
Again, thank you.
KUDOS to Mr. Tyler Perry on another great movie!
5,4,3,2,1: Tyler Perry’s ‘Temptation:Confessions Of A Marriage Counselor’ [Official Trailer]
Tyler Perry’s new film ‘Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor’ hits theatres next week. The film, written and directed by Mr. Perry, is said to be full of scandal, lust, and infidelity. Sounds like all the right ingredients for the makings of a great film, right? But, will the story line be enough to bring the people out to see the film? We’ll see.
In the meantime, here’s the full synopsis and the official trailer.
Judith is an Ivy League educated relationship expert who gives marital advice for a living, yet can’t seem to follow that advice in her own marriage to Bryce. Bored with her life, she breaks her professional code and begins an affair with a smooth talking client. After the initial excitement of their torrid relationship wears off, Judith realizes that she’s made a grave mistake. It will take every ounce of courage and forgiveness for Judith to escape the dangerous situation she finds herself in.
The cast includes Jurnee Smolett-Bell (Judith), Lance Gross (Bryce), Kim Kardashian, Vanessa L. Williams, and others. The film debuts on Friday, March 29.
‘Waffle House’ Sets The Stage In Tyler Perry’s New Movie ‘Single Mom’s Club’
The popular 24-hour breakfast spot, the Waffle House, set the stage today for Tyler Perry and his production crew. Spotted off of East College Avenue location, in Dekalb County, Georgia, production crew members begin filming in the early morning hours. The film, Single Mom’s Club, will be filmed in various locations around the Atlanta.
The film stars Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey (Bridesmaids) and Zulay Henao. It is said that there will be a fourth “mom” but no word yet on who this person will be. As far as the premise of the film, four distinctly different single mothers will cross paths after a situation at their kids’ school. By the end of the movie, the mothers will unite and support each other through life’s ups and downs.
‘Single Mom’s Club’ is written, produced, and directed by Perry (who will also have a small role in the film). Movie goers will have to wait until Summer 2014 to this film.
Can Oprah & Tyler Perry Take OWN To The Next Level?
The internet was buzzing when it was announced that Tyler Perry inked a deal with Oprah and her OWN Network. As major as this collaboration may seem, I’m kind of skeptical as to what will Tyler bring to the table. Will these new projects give Oprah the ratings boost that she so desperately needs?
According to the Associated Press, Tyler Perry has signed on to develop, produce, and write two scripted series. Having the lengthy experience in film production as he does, Tyler has been responsible for several high grossing movies, television shows on TBS, and the undeniably funny “Madea” franchise. But can his consistent “average black family doing average everyday things” type of programming be the “it” thing that OWN needs?
Hmmm….that’s a difficult question. Even in her long running daytime talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, O catered to a very diverse audience. Tyler on the other hand hasn’t really accomplished this task. His core fanbase is African-American. So, will he be able to create programs that will crossover to Oprah’s wide range of viewers? We’ll will soon see. If Tyler can dig deeper into his creative psyche, I think he could develop two great shows. He definitely has enough money to hire the best writers and production crews. Also, he’s bringing along his hardcore fanbase (which are majority African-American). So this means that millions of Blacks who don’t tune into OWN on the regular, will now have a reason to. OWN, at this point and despite of a decent spike in ratings on “celebrity” Sundays, desperately needs ratings.
I’m rooting for Tyler and Oprah! I can’t wait to see what these best buds have in store.
Do you think this collaboration will take OWN to the next level?
Madea’s Witness Protection [1st Official Trailer]
Tyler Perry and good ole Madea is back at it again! Coming soon is Perry’s upcoming film Madea’s Witness Protection which like the rest of his movies we’re sure will be full of laughs and classic moments. In addition to Mr. Perry of course, the cast includes Romeo, Denise Richards, Eugene Levy, Danielle Campbell, Doris Roberts, Tom Arnold and old-school acting favorites John Amos and Marla Gibbs. The film will hit the big screen June 29.
Check out the synopsis and trailer below…
For years, George Needleman, the gentle CFO of a Wall Street investment bank, has been living with his head in the clouds. His frustrated second wife, Kate, has reached her limit taking care of his senile mother, Barbara. His teenage daughter, Cindy, is spoiled beyond hope and his seven-year-old son, Howie, wishes his father were around more. But George is finally forced to wake up when he learns that his firm, Lockwise Industries, has been operating a mob-backed Ponzi scheme — and that he’s been set up as the fall guy.
Facing criminal charges and death threats from the mob, George and his entire family are put under witness protection in the safest place that Brian, a federal prosecutor from Atlanta, can think of… His Aunt Madea’s house down South.
We see you Tyler, branching further out into the realm of actors and actresses…can you say power move…Stacks on Stacks on Stacks!
5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Tyler Perry’s ‘Good Deeds’ [Official Trailer]
Tyler Perry is back with another movie that is sure to warm the hearts of many movie-goers. Good Deeds is a story about the scripted life of businessman, Wesley Deeds. Deeds life soon changes, for the good, when he meets Lindsey (Thandie Newton) a single mother working on the cleaning crew in his office building.
Check out the trailer below:
Good Deeds hit theaters nationwide on February 24.
Tyler Perry Talks Success and How He Made It
After taking the film industry by storm and doing it like only him and Madea can, media mogul Tyler Perry opens up and share his secrets for success. Check out the video below as Perry answers the question “How did you make it?”
True Inspiration!!!
Spike vs Tyler: Who’s films are better?, Idris Elba Says Perry’s Films Are Buffoonery
It’s no suprise in the film world that Spike Lee and Tyler Perry aren’t the best of buds. The great contrast between the type of films from both directors is a testament to why they share separate views on what film content should be. Spike Lee, who’s known for films like Malcolm X and Do The Right Thing, gives movie goers a more in-depth viewpoint on the struggles of the Black race. While on the other hand, Tyler Perry, playwright and now movie producer/director, used a family member’s characteristics to develop the Madea character which has catapulted Perry’s films and plays to a mega-million empire. But beyond the money their films gross, should there really be an issue with how they decide to be artistically creative?
Actor Idris Elba, who recently lost a film role to Tyler Perry, spoke to a group of students at Rutgers University recently and shared his opinion on Perry’s films. Peep the excerpt spotted at NecoleBitchie.com:
“Can I be candid? I don’t like all of Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for “Daddy’s Little Girls” because it portrayed a positive image of a black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success…we need Tyler Perry…by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma.”
Was this shade thrown because he lost the role as Alex Ross? Or does Elba make a legitimate point? What do you think?
In my opinion, we are all individuals. As an individual, you have the right to create films the way that you want. There are enough movie goers and critics to go around. So filmmakers should keep the content diverse. There is screen space for Spike and Tyler.
Do you think Tyler Perry’s films project buffoonery??
Madea’s Big Happy Family
Here’s the official movie poster for Tyler Perry’s upcoming film, ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’. The film which hits theaters April 22 stars Tyler Perry as Madea, Loretta Devine, Laura London, Shad ‘Bow Wow’ Moss, Cassi Davis, Shannon Kane, and David Mann.
Here’s what ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ will be teaching, saving, ranting and raving about…
Madea , everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tamm , Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It’s up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter… and the revelation of a long-buried family secret.
Check out the trailer below!
Well, what do you think???????????
‘For Colored Girls’ Premiere In NY
Based on the 1975 play written by Ntosake Shange, For Colored Girls, will debut on the big screen on Nov. 5. Produced and directed by Tyler Perry, the story line focuses on a series of poems spoken by women of color who’s lives have endured challenges such as abortion, abandonment, rape, and love.
The cast consists of Janet Jacskon, Omari Hardwick, Loretta Devine, Whoopi Goldberg, Anika Noni Rose, Michael Ealy, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Phylicia Rashad, Macy Gray, Tessa Thompson, Hill Harper, Khalil Kain, and Richard Lawson.
Below are a few pics from the premiere screening:
Power Moves: Tyler Perry Studios
This past weekend, several of the biggest African-American names in the film and tv industry flocked to Atlanta for the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios. Nestled in the predominantly Black community of Southwest Atlanta, Tyler Perry has embarked on a historic feat with his new 30-acre film and television production complex. The former airline reservation center lot was far from looking like a nice piece of land. But Tyler Perry envisioned something greater and stated, “I looked at the abandoned buildings and I thought, ‘There’s no way,’ ” Perry said on a film. “Then I saw what I thought was debris on the front gates. I looked closer and realized someone had taped Bible Scriptures on the gate. Then I knew. I jumped in full steam with no fear. Nothing but the grace of God has brought me to this place.”
The multi-million dollar complex is the first of it’s kind owned and operated by an African-American. It houses more than 200,000 square feet of studio and office space.
Below are pictures of some of the big names that came out to show their support. Others in attendance (not shown) were Oprah Winfrey and Stedman, Will Smith, Patti Labelle, Mary J Blige, and many more.
Barry Bonds and wife
Holly Robinson Pete
John Legend
Star Jones
Ruby Dee
Here’s a clip from the event:
(Source: AJC)
‘Madea Goes to Jail’ Teaser
Check out the pre preview of Tyler Perry’s next film ‘Madea Goes to Jail’
Synopsis: After a high-speed freeway chase puts Madea in front of the judge, her reprieve is short-lived as anger management issues get the best of her and land her in jail. A gleeful Joe couldn’t be happier at Madea’s misfortune. But Madea’s eccentric family members the Browns rally behind her, lending their special “country” brand of support.
Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Hardaway is on the fast track to career success. But Hardaway lands a case too personal to handle – defending young prostitute and former drug addict Candace Washington – and asks his fiance and fellow ADA Linda Holmes to fill in on his behalf. When Candace ends up in jail, Madea befriends the young woman, protecting her in a ‘motherly’ way as only Madea can. (Source)
The film is currently in production here in Atlanta and will hit theaters February 20, 2009.
Tyler Perry’s Madea…She’s Baaack!!!
For all you Madea fans that having been waiting for her return to big screen, the wait is almost over. Her next film is set to hit theaters February 2009, but you won’t have to wait until then to get a taste of what Tyler Perry has in store.
“Madea’s Family Reunion,” debuted at No. 1 in February 2006, following the No. 1 debut of “Diary of Mad Black Woman” in February 2005. The two were made for a combined $11 million and grossed $150 million total.
In case you didn’t already know, in addition to both writing and directing the movies, Perry plays the charater of Madea.
Tune In: Tyler Perry
After six feature films in three years, the acclaimed playwright, screenwriter, actor, director, and producer has definitely made his mark in Hollywood. Slowly, but surely though, Perry is attempting to do the same thing in TV Land. Following the successful run of his popular sitcom ‘Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’, it has been announced that Perry is now bringing his latest movie, ‘Meet The Browns’ to the TBS network.
“Tyler Perry is an extraordinary talent who has turned ‘House of Payne’ into a record-breaking hit,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. “We’re thrilled at having the chance to repeat that success with Leroy Brown, a character already proven to be a big hit with audiences.”
‘Meet The Browns’ stars David Mann as Leroy Brown, a character who earlier this year was featured in Perry’s hit film of the same name, which also starred Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett and former NBA superstar turned actor Rick Fox. The TV series, a spin-off based on characters of the ‘Meet The Browns’ play and movie, begins after Brown inherits a dilapidated house from his deceased father.
Tyler Perry’s Movie Trailer: ‘The Family That Preys’
Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates and Academy Award-nominee Alfre Woodard star as the matriarchs of two very different families being torn apart by greed and scandal in the contemporary drama TYLER PERRY’S THE FAMILY THAT PREYS. The sixth feature film by Perry chronicles the inner workings of two families-one upper-crust and the other working class-that become inextricably linked by scandal.
Wealthy socialite Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) and her dear
friend Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodard), a working class woman of high ideals, have enjoyed a lasting friendship throughout many years. Suddenly, their lives become mired in turmoil as their adult children’s extramarital affairs, unethical business practices and a dark paternity secret threaten to derail family fortunes and unravel the lives of all involved. Alice’s self-centered newlywed daughter Andrea (Sanaa Lathan) is betraying her trusting husband Chris (Rockmond Dunbar) by engaging in a torrid affair with her boss and mother’s best friend’s son William (Cole Hauser). While cheating on his wife Jillian (Kadee Strickland) with a string of ongoing dalliances with his mistress Andrea, William’s true focus is to replace the COO of his mother’s lucrative construction corporation. Meanwhile, Alice’s other daughter Pam (Taraji Henson), a kind but no nonsense woman married to a hard working construction worker (Tyler Perry), tries to steer the family in a more positive direction.While paternity secrets, marital infidelity, greed and unsavory business dealings threaten to derail both families, Charlotte and Alice decide to take a breather from it all by making a cross-country road trip in which they rediscover themselves and possibly find a way to save their families from ruin in TYLER PERRY’S THE FAMILY THAT PREYS. (Source)
Looks like Tyler Perry’s got another hit on the way. The film will hit theaters September 12.
Tyler Perry’s Moving on Up…Again
(Source)
The Atlanta Development Authority has agreed to issue $35 million in bonds to help filmmaker, television producer and actor Tyler Perry build a studio complex in southwest Atlanta.
The complex will be at the former Delta Air Lines corporate offices on Continental Colony Parkway, located about a mile south of Greenbriar Mall.
The project includes four new sound stages, a 400-seat ballroom and theater, casting offices, post-production facilities, 30 dressing rooms, and a studio store. (Source)
Tyler Perry’s rise in the entertainment industry, from originally living in his car to running a $500 million enterprise is truly an example of going from rags to riches.
Perry has already started the production of his next big-screen comedy, “The Family That Preys” at Tyler Perry Studios and other Atlanta locations. The film is tentatively scheduled to hit theaters in September.
