Posted by Marcus Vanderberg on Jun 6th 2007 8:08AM
Filed under: Everybody Hates Marcus
Tyler Perry's House of Payne is a new comedy series about a multigenerational, working class family who experiences all of life's struggles with faith, love and most importantly humor. I spoke to Perry early this morning about his new project on TBS, which airs Wednesday at 9PM.
What can people expect from "House of Payne?"
It's the kind of show that you can expect something totally different. I don't think there has been a sitcom like this on the air ever because we deal with a lot of dramatic issues. We will go from drama to comedy to all over the place. It's a great show.
What's the biggest difference between writing a script for a film or a play compared to a television show?
The 22 minutes it takes to wrap it up. I have to wrap everything up in 22 minutes so that's been the most difficult thing.
Which do you prefer writing for?
Film is better because I can tell a longer story.
How many episodes can we expect Madea to make an appearance in House of Payne or is this a one time deal?
It's a one time deal tonight but who knows, she might show up from time to time. It just depends if I'm bored or not.
What's the biggest challenge you think for African-American sitcoms on TV today?
Simply being on the air is the biggest challenge, especially after the merger between the UPN and the WB. Now all of those shows went away so it's very difficult. Plus, the sitcom is dying these days because of expense. This is a new model and I'm hoping it works and puts a lot of people to work.
How did your relationship with TBS develop?
I tested the show – they approached my agents and I tested the show on TBS last year. The ratings were so amazing that they wanted 100 episodes. We started in January and I'm going to shoot the episodes until December. We are on episode number 40 now.
Is writing another material for such a large number a challenge?
Not at all. This family is so rich with heritage and stories and ideas that it's really simple to do actually.
What's next for you?
I have 'Why Did I Get Married' coming out in November with Janet Jackson and 'Daddy's Little Girls' is on DVD next Tuesday. I've got a few things working.
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Comments: (77)
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By: Katie Modeste on 3/10/2008 6:34PM
I think that Tyler Perry is doing an excellent job as a producer/actor/writer/minister [and more].He's doign especially great considering the fact that he is a young African American man fulfilling his dream and reacching his goals.
Mr.Perry seems to have many goals which means there's more for us to look forward to. Mr.T.Perry should be supported by us viewers for his outstanding work. Through his new show and movies, I'm sure he'll continue to be an inspiriation.
God Bless You Tyler Perry!
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By: Laythorn Thompson on 4/15/2008 10:57PM
HI Tyler Perry, I would love to see your show in person,My whole family love your show including my three year old son, from infant to now he laugh at your show.If I had the money we will take a fright every time you have a play, will of been there. But I live in the Bahamas. email mommydikey@yahoo.com
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By: Kimberly on 3/22/2008 4:38PM
I have seen a few of Tyler Perry's movies & shows as well as previews for other Tyler Perry films. I am truly disgusted with the negative portrayal of white people in every single one of Tyler Perry's projects. I have noted that every single white person in all of his projects are portrayed as either stupid, lazy or mean.
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By: daryl beaman on 5/19/2008 5:17AM
mr. tyler perry. house of payne is the best tv show i have ever seen. i love tv and i cant concentrate on nothin else when its on ! demetria mckinney is the most beautiful woman i have ever laid eyes on ! she has my 100% most undivided attention. shes gorgeous.
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By: Nekeidria on 12/11/2008 2:38PM
I am so glad to see that Tyler Perry proved all of these negative comments wrong!!! The show is still thriving and improving every season. It takes time to find the right formula for success...and he found it. I love this family, even with its so-called ghetto characters...we all know people like that! The point is regardless of what this family faces, they face it together and with God at the helm. So fellow "black folks" stop putting down someone for accomplishing something you probably didn't have enough gusto to accomplish. This is literally the cleanest show on television. Which is what we needed! Also no one person can appeal to everyone! If they did, someone people would still find a reason to complain.
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By: SELENA BROWN on 12/18/2008 4:07PM
Mr. TYLER PERRY
KEE[ U[ THE WORK YOU'RE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE OF THE
AFICAN AMERICAN RACE KEEP ON WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND FORGET ABOUT THE HATERS AND KEEP GOD IN YOUR LIFE CAUSE WITHOUT HIM NOTHING IS TO HARD TO DO.
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By: steve on 3/15/2009 6:05PM
I think this is a horrible show no matter how you look at it.Look if you black folk want something to be proud of then you need to look in a positive direction. to say this is positive cause tyler perry happens to produce and direct this bleak play on humor is a put down and a insult to your race and humanity. If you want to be proud of a black man's acheivment make sure it has credibility. you are dumbing down true talent and comedy. do support something just cause its black oriented. blacks have been advanced to long to keep pushing crap like this just cause its black based.
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By: steve on 3/15/2009 6:09PM
I think this is a horrible show no matter how you look at it.Look if you black folk want something to be proud of then you need to look in a positive direction. to say this is positive cause tyler perry happens to produce and direct this bleak play on humor is a put down and a insult to your race and humanity. If you want to be proud of a black man's acheivment make sure it has credibility. you are dumbing down true talent and comedy. do support something just cause its black oriented. blacks have been advanced to long to keep pushing crap like this just cause its black based.
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By: douglas on 5/03/2009 6:24PM
what really happened to jazzy on the house of pin its really not the same without her
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By: ann on 7/02/2009 10:34PM
I Love meet the Browns and House of payne more in the begainning on House of payne we miss the kids cj and his wife. love the prayer on the show mr brown hes a trip he makes me laught when I feel like rying I never any of the two show and Tyler Payne your tv show and moving are a up life keep up the good work and Im glad Black or white is like a family on the meet the Browns. take care and God Bless you and the grew. ann
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