SANTA MONICA, CA. (Lions Gate Films/ www.lionsgate-ent.com) - The romantic comedy DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN, adapted by acclaimed writer Tyler Perry from his play of the same name, opened the pages of a powerful new franchise as it scorched its way to number one at the U.S. theatrical box office with an estimated opening weekend gross of $22.7 million, or approximately $15,307 per screen. DIARY is a presentation of Lions Gate Films in association with BET Pictures, produced by Lions Gate Films and the Tyler Perry Company in association with Reuben Cannon Productions. Lions Gate Films is the motion picture acquisition, production and distribution arm of Lions Gate Entertainment (NYSE: LGF; Toronto).
DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN grossed approximately $7.1 million on Friday, increased over 25% to approximately $8.9 million on Saturday, and is expected to gross an estimated additional $6.7 million today. With the resounding success of the film's opening weekend, Lions Gate currently plans to add screens for DIARY's second weekend. The Company will announce specific expansion plans during the week.
"We're thrilled with the opening of DIARY," said Lions Gate Films President of Releasing Tom Ortenberg. "This is a terrific launch for what we know will be a long and productive relationship with the incredibly talented Tyler Perry and his team. In addition to the initiatives of Tyler and his company and our valuable promotional partnership with BET, DIARY owes its remarkable success to the superb marketing and distribution efforts of John Hegeman, Steve Rothenberg, Sarah Greenberg, Tim Palen and their teams as well as serving as a testament to the remarkable production skills of Mike Paseornek and his executives.
"This is not a typical urban film. It has performed extremely well in numerous rural and suburban theatres, as well as urban areas nationwide, and is demonstrating strong crossover appeal," Ortenberg continued. "Once again pushing the envelope of convention, we believe that Lions Gate has teamed up with Tyler Perry to create a brand new film genre. The Tyler Perry stage bandwagon is now translating into the Tyler Perry movie and cultural juggernaut for audiences of all ages, backgrounds and regions of the country."
"This weekend's tremendous opening of DIARY signals a great start for our new Tyler Perry franchise," said Lions Gate Films President of Production Mike Paseornek. "We have always believed that Tyler was a huge talent with enormous grass roots support. As this film continues to bring Tyler's heart, humor and immense popularity to a greatly expanded audience, it serves as a terrific platform for all of his work, including MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION, the next feature film on which we will be partnering with him. Tyler has introduced enduring and endearing characters to moviegoing audiences nationwide that will have resonance for years to come."
"We set out to make a film that would be entertaining and also reach to the core of some major issues we all face as human beings," shared Tyler Perry. "I am so grateful and humbled by the public response to the film. I also deeply appreciated the support by Lions Gate especially on the creative end throughout the process and am excited about our growing partnership."
Lions Gate is set to produce and distribute Tyler Perry's next comedy, MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION in conjunction with Reuben Cannon Productions. Perry, who adapted from his play of the same name, will make his feature film directorial debut, write, produce and play the title role in the film, a character he also plays in DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN. The film is slated for a February 2006 release.
Lions Gate executives noted that, with tremendous word-of-mouth from nearly all demographics and a CinemaScore exit grade of A+, DIARY will enter its second weekend with terrific momentum. Tyler Perry and other cast members will be featured during the entire hour of The Oprah Winfrey show on Friday, March 4. Lions Gate also pointed out that DIARY is the Company's fifth major theatrical hit during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005. Lions Gate's last theatrical blockbuster, SAW, reigned supreme this past week among new DVD releases, selling 3 million units in its first week.
DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN is set in an affluent community and focuses on Helen, a devoted and loving wife who, on the eve of her 18th wedding anniversary, is rudely surprised to find that her husband Charles wants to divorce her in order to be with another woman.
Struggling with this sudden change, Helen is forced to deal with many new and upsetting feelings, sending her into a comedic barrage of confrontations while she struggles with her anger, bitterness, jealousy, denial, revenge and selfishness. Finally, Helen realizes that if she is to recover from the changes in her life, she must rely upon the strength of her faith, lifelong values and the compassion and forgiveness required to heal the hurt.
The film stars Tyler Perry, Kimberly Elise (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and "Woman Thou Art Loosed"), Steve Harris (THE PRACTICE), Shemar Moore (THE BROTHERS), Tamara Taylor (INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE) and Cicely Tyson (BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE and SOUNDER). It is directed by Darren Grant, produced by Reuben Cannon and coproduced by Mike Upton.
Thirty-five-year-old playwright, director, producer and actor Tyler Perry is a New Orleans native and has written seven plays which have received rave reviews and sold out houses across the nation, including his most recent, "Diary of A Mad Black Woman" and "Madea Goes To Jail."
