Entertainment Weekly is reporting that genius Tyler Perry has inked a deal with Lionsgate films that will extend a multi-year deal to include additional movies and home entertainment venues.
Many of Perry’s successful films have been released by Lionsgate, including his popular Madea movies. Lionsgate has distributed ten of Perry’s films in the past six years.
Entertainment Weekly cites a statement quoting Perry as saying, “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.â€
According to Lionsgate, the deal will include two more Madea films, which star Tyler Perry himself as the popular character.
Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family debuts April 22, 2011.