Tyler Perry Lands Huge Film and Television Deal with Viacom
Tyler Perry just inked a long-term deal with Viacom that includes television, film, and short-video.
According to Deadline, the media mogul will produce approximately 90 episodes annually of original and comedy series for BET and other Viacom networks. The media company will have exclusive licensing rights on the TV programming along with exclusive distribution rights to Perry’s short-form video content. Deadline reports, the deal allows Paramount Pictures exclusive first-look rights on Perry’s feature film projects.
The deal mirrors the arrangement Perry currently has with OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, which he inked back in 2012. The film agreement will kick off in May 2019 when Perry’s deal with OWN ends and will continue through 2024.
“Today’s announcement represents an important step forward as Viacom continues to make swift progress against our new strategic plan,” President and CEO of Viacom, Bob Bakish said per Deadline. “By prioritizing efforts to work with the best, most versatile talent in the entertainment industry, we are better positioned to deliver must-watch content across our brands and platforms.”
“Tyler is a prolific creative force, and I’m excited that this collaboration will bring his signature humor and powerful storytelling to Viacom’s audiences while further cementing BET’s position as the leading home for bold, relevant African-American programming and scripted content,” Bakish continued.
Perry is the creative powerhouse who is responsible for several television series including House of Payne, Meet the Browns, and Love Thy Neighbor. The acclaimed writer and director also gave us films including For Colored Girls, The Singles Moms Club, Good Deeds, Temptation, and of course the acclaimed Madea franchise. Starting his career as a playwright, Perry is the force behind 20 plays.
“Viacom has a rich tradition of reaching my audience through their TV, film and digital platforms and I am excited to partner with them,” Perry said about the big partnership. “I am eager to have one home where I can leverage all of their assets to tell my stories to an even wider audience. I have been very blessed to have worked with the incredible people at Lionsgate and OWN over the last few years and I look forward to continuing my work with them on a non-exclusive basis.”
Photo Credit: PR Photos
