Tyler Perry Studios and New York Times bestselling author DeVon Franklin are teaming up to produce faith-based films for Netflix. The multi-year, multi-picture deal will also include scripted and non-scripted series on the streaming service.
Franklin shared how the partnership came to be in a heartfelt announcement on Instagram. “After over a year of searching for a new film deal, I had almost given up hope. Then God began to move. At the end of last summer, my agent at WME set up a breakfast for me and Scott Stuber at Netflix, who was the head of film at that time,” Franklin shared. “Then my phone rings and it’s my brother Tyler Perry, he says ‘I hear you’re making a deal at Netflix for faith-based movies, what if we did it together?’ THERE IS POWER IN PARTNERSHIP so I told Tyler ‘YES! Let’s do it!’”
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The deal is an expansion of Tyler Perry’s existing creative partnership with Netflix wherein Perry writes, directs, and produces both films and series. However, projects produced between Perry and Franklin will be done in conjunction with Tyler Perry Studios and Perry and Franklin will share producer credits.
“I’m so excited to be working with DeVon on this and future projects,” Perry said to Deadline. “I think in this polarizing world, and at a time where the world seems to be growing colder every day, we both share the common goal of wanting to spread some good. And there’s no better place than Netflix.”
The first film the duo will produce under this new deal is R&B, a modern-day retelling of the Biblical love story of Ruth and Boaz written by Mike Elliott (Brown Sugar) & Cory Tynan (Play’d). Set in Tennessee, R&B tells the story of a young woman who cares for an elderly widow and, in the process, finds the love of her life and gains the mother she never had.
“We’re excited to bring you movies that will change your life for the better forever!” Franklin wrote on Instagram. “Can’t wait for you to see what we’re going to do with updating the Bible story of Ruth & Boaz into the modern day love story R&B!”
Perry’s other upcoming projects for Netflix also include the WWII historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington and an ensemble cast. Earlier this year, Perry’s Mea Culpa, starring Kelly Rowland, premiered on the service.
This new partnership between Perry and Franklin is symbolic not only of their longtime friendship but also of Franklin’s faith and devotion to sharing his passions with the world.
“Remember YOUR PASSION IS YOUR PATH! God will make room for you in ways you can’t even imagine!” Franklin said.
Cover Photo: Tyler Perry & DeVon Franklin Ink New Multiyear Deal with Netflix to Produce Faith-Based Films / Photo credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images/IMDB