Own in deal with Tyler Perry for TV series

MUMBAI: US brpadcaster Own: Oprah Winfrey Network has announced a partnership with actor, director, screenwriter, playwright and producer Tyler Perry to become his singular destination for all new television series and projects, including two new scripted series for the network to premiere in mid 2013.

These will be the first original scripted series for OWN and Perry will executive produce, write and direct both series.

Perry is known for television series ‘Tyler Perry‘s House of Payne‘, ‘Meet the Browns‘ and ‘For Better Or Worse‘ Own CEO Oprah Winfrey said, "I have been looking forward to the day when we would be in the position to enter the world of scripted television. That day has come. We are all energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler who has a proven track record for producing highly successful cable series. He has an incredible ability to illuminate life stories and characters in his unique voice and inspires and encourages people all over the world."

Perry said, "It‘s a dream realised to partner with Oprah and bring scripted programming to Own. She has accomplished so much with the network and I‘m excited to work with her to be a part of its continued growth."

Discovery president, CEO David Zaslav said, "Bringing Tyler Perry exclusively to Own is a major coup. This announcement demonstrates the power of the Oprah brand to attract some of the biggest names in television and film to Own. Own‘s growth over the past nine months has been nothing short of phenomenal and, with the continued support of our advertising and affiliate Partners, this bold move into scripted entertainment positions OWN to continue that momentum going forward."