Tyler Perry Studios Signs Pact with WGA
Looks To Add More Minority TV Writers
By Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, 11/26/2008 7:50:00 AM EST
The independent Tyler Perry Studios, which produces theatrical features and House of Payne for TBS, has signed an agreement with the Writers Guild of America West to unionize writers.
The deal has been in process for five months and the conclusion was brought about, in part, through the intercession of the NAACP.
Producer/writer/performer Tyler Perry said he looks forward to many years of working with the talented writers who are members of the guild.
"With a continued focus on fostering young, diverse talent, we are eager to continue our dialogue with the WGA to dramatically increase the number of minority writers working in Hollywood today," Perry said in a prepared statement.
The WGAW filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the studio in October, alleging that four writers on House of Payne were dismissed Sept. 30 in retaliation for organizing efforts.
In announcing the new agreement, Perry acknowledged that some of the writers on House of Payne and Meet the Browns will not be returning, and he "wished them well in their future endeavors."
Perry already had union deals in place with the Teamsters and other Hollywood unions. This is the last craft guild to reach an agreement.
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