Tyler Perry pens Viacom deal

US entertainment conglomerate Viacom has agreed a far-reaching deal with actor and writer Tyler Perry that will see him producing around 90 episodes of drama and comedy annually.

The deal, described by Viacom as a “comprehensive, multi-year content partnership” will see Perry working across TV, film and shortform video.

Perry will produce the programming for Viacom’s BET network and other channels, with the US media giant holding exclusive licensing rights for TV content.

Viacom will also have exclusive distribution rights to Perry’s shortform video content, while Paramount Pictures will hold exclusive first-look rights to new feature film concepts.

The film agreement is effective immediately, while the TV and shortform video deal starts in May 2019, following the expiration of Perry’s exclusive agreement with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Viacom’s agreement will extend through to 2024.

Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom, said the deal “represents an important step forward as Viacom continues to make swift progress against our new strategic plan.”

He added: “By prioritising efforts to work with the best, most versatile talent in the entertainment industry, we are better positioned to deliver must-watch content across our brands and platforms.”

Perry has been behind seven TV series including scripted shows Love Thy Neighbor and The Haves & The Have Nots, as well as 16 feature films, 20 plays and a best-selling book.