Tyler Perry Goes to Jail?

Tyler Perry allegedly does not sow all “Good Deeds. ” We’ve heard about him footing the bill for the late, great Whitney Houston’s funeral; and even replacing a woman’s stolen van in Atlanta.  However, a recent incident caused him to be viewed negatively by the press.  

Terri Donald, author of “Bad Apples Can Be Good Fruit,” proclaims she sent a copy of her book to Tyler Perry Studios before the movie started filming. Donald is requesting $225,000 in damages as well as her book being credited in the opening and closing credits. She believes this deed should not go unpunished for the stolen plot of the film. Donald even went as far to demand the accounting revenue of the film to date.

Although this is not the first lawsuit, it definitely will not be the last. Tyler Perry needs an efficient research and clearance team to ensure that the court visits ceases. Back in 2010, Perry faced another lawsuit for copyright infringement regarding a song used in an episode of the comedic sitcom, “Meet the Browns.” Additionally, the late gospel singer’s estate sued on behalf of Bertha James when Madea used the chorus from her song in “Madea goes to Jail.”

According to box office mojo, “Good Deeds” total domestic gross is approximately $35 million. The movie starred actresses Gabrielle Union and Thandie Newton. The synopsis is about a businessman Wesley Deeds being jolted out his scripted life when he meets Lindsey, a single mother who works on the cleaning crew in his office building.

As a fan of Mr. Perry, I hope these allegations are not true. He is a million dollar machine and I cannot fathom him stealing an ideal for a film. For the ones that did not catch the film when it premiered February 2012, I encourage all to check out the film. It was a great movie and I hope you enjoy it too.

The Go-To Workshop for Independent Producers

I recently attended a “Budgeting & Scheduling Workshop for Independent Producers” in Atlanta, GA.   The event was hosted by Symmetry’s Entertainment co-founder, Dianne Ashford. The workshop covered a multitude of aspects of the entertainment industry such as script breakdowns, budget sheets, unions (SAG, DGA, IATSE), and software management.  

Dianne began her work with Rainforest Films founders Rob Hardy and Will Packer producing their straight to DVD films Motives 2-starring Vivica Fox and Trois 3: The Escort-starring Brian White.  I gathered much information and knew I had to comment about my learning experience on my blog.

First and foremost, I was completely impressed by her knowledge of unions and how they operate in the entertainment industry.  The Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) was one of the unions providing low budget basic agreements for narrative theatrical screenplays-which may fit the needs of indie writers. Since, I’m located east of the Mississippi, the WGA East would serve my needs. You may review a brief illustration below: 

This union’s benefits are numerous.  Contracts are written with WGA and payments are made when finished products are distributed on television, DVD, and other media outlets. Other benefits include:

· Receiving minimum rates

· Credit and creative protection

·      Residuals

Other knowledge gathered was related to payments to high-profiles actors, bond companies, and the severity of receiving clearance for the usage of other’s original work.

Additionally, as an indie writer and producer I definitely want to protect my work and some of my choices are:

·      Registering my work as a student for $17 with the WGA East.

·      Registering my work online for $35 with the U.S Copyright Office.

·      For extra security, the “poor man’s copyright” by mailing a copy to myself with a post-mark date from the postal services.

Using actual scenarios, Dianne provided me with additional keys to success such as producer’s roles, review of movie scripts, equipment rates, industry-standard lingo, and using reference materials to my advantage.

Big Kudos to Dianne and I wish her much success in her future endeavors.  I recommend this workshop for all levels of independent producers.

FYI: I also would love to have her mentor me.

I hope that these words encourages anyone who reads them.

Thanks for stopping by & I welcome all feedback.