It's His 'House'

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It's His 'House'

Posted | May 09, 2006 01:25 AM

Tyler Perry's first foray into television, 'House of Payne,' made its debut in some major cities, including New York and Houston. Perry, who has had multi-million dollar success at creating what is commonly referred to as 'chit'lin circuit' theater -- said he wrote, produced and financed the show. "This was a huge gamble, but if I know anything I know my faith …And I know my folks. And that's why I did it."

Perry, who has had multi-million dollar success at creating what is commonly referred to as 'chit'lin circuit' theater -- said he wrote, produced and financed 'House Of Payne' because he found out "that in TV when you go the traditional route you really have no control over your show.

"This didn't sit right with me at all," he added. "When it comes to me and us, I feel like I know what we want to see so if it doesn't feel right to me I have no problems walking away no matter how much money.

"I was not about to go on TV and have you all talking about me saying 'This show is terrible...what was TP thinking?' he said. "It wouldn't have been because I didn't give my ideas, but because they shot it down and I was out of there on the next thing smoking."

'House of Payne,' centers on the comical situations that ensue when a multi-generational family lives under one roof. " Allen Payne plays a fireman named CJ whose wife has a drug problem and burns down their house to cover their mounting debt," Perry explained. "So, they have to move in with his parents Cassi Davis, and Lavan Davis from [the play] 'Madea Goes to Jail.' CJ has two kids and he and the grandparents have very different ideas about raising these kids."

"I wanted this show to be what my movies are; funny, but serious, with life lessons in them. Like my plays, but for TV," the New Orleans native said. "The shows that everybody wanted to watch because they not only made you laugh, but they had some heart. Well, this is one of those shows with heart."

'House of Payne' is also set to run in syndication this spring in Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Baltimore and Raleigh throughout the spring and summer seasons, with plans for a national distribution run in the fall, confirmed a rep for the production..

"This was a huge gamble, but if I know anything I know my faith," Perry -- whose debut book 'Don't Make A Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings,' recently debuted in the 'New York Times' best-seller's list--, said. "And I know my folks. And that's why I did it."

Perry’s next film, 'Daddy’s Little Girl,' will be released in 2007. His most recent box-office hit 'Madea's Family Reunion' will bow on home video next month.

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#1.	Posted by willie green \| May 11,2006 12:34 PM
I got much respect for Tyler Perry. He knows the rules are stacked against him so he doesn't play by them.

#2.

Posted by ghost | May 14,2006 08:21 PM

Perry's resolve and his singular commitment to realizing his vision are certainly inspirational. Indeed, to a very large extent, they're even commendable. However, for those of us seeking to establish ourselves as filmmakers, it's vital to understand that his situation is more exceptional than it is instructional....

Refusal to "play by the rules" has been the downfall of many aspiring creative artists. Compromise isn't necessarily an abdication of one's vision; in fact, it's often the currency of creative success -- particularly in the capital-intensive realm of film and TV production.

Selectively acceding to the wishes of the Establishment is a tried and true strategy which, when properly executed, lessens the need and the pressure to compromise in future instances.

For certain, there are many instances where monomania wins the day: Melvin Van Peebles' "Sweetback," Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It," John Cassavettes' "Shadows," and George Lucas' "Star Wars" immediately come to mind. But I submit that the list of impractical auteurs whose projects never saw the light of day is much, much longer.

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