Tyler Perry inks new deal with Lionsgate

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 24 (UPI) -- Lionsgate has announced it has entered a new long-term partnership with U.S writer-director-producer-actor Tyler Perry.

Perry has produced and marketed five feature films with Lionsgate, including his hits "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," "Why Did I Get Married?" and "Meet the Browns."

He has signed a new three-year first-look deal with Lionsgate covering his upcoming theatrical and home entertainment products, Perry and Lionsgate Co-chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer announced Wednesday.

Under the new agreement, Perry will provide at least three additional feature films to Lionsgate following "The Family That Preys," which is slated for U.S. release Sept. 12, and "Madea Goes to Jail," a film based on his popular play and scheduled for release Feb. 20.

Lionsgate also distributes Perry's DVDs, as well as his hit television series, "Tyler Perry's House of Payne."

"Lionsgate has shared and nurtured my creative vision in a way that no other studio could match," Perry said in a statement. "They continue to play a vital role in bringing my messages to new audiences in new markets every single day with unequaled marketing brilliance. I'm delighted to continue partnering with them on a rich palette of exciting projects for years to come."