Tyler Perry/WGA Addendum - Forthcoming Obama Movie
Was just over at Nikke Finke's website (Deadline Hollywood Daily) and read a lengthy piece on the WGA/Tyler Perry settlement. She's been covering this thing like a hawk.
Here is a bit of news I thought worth sharing:
The writer/actor/director/producer/author/playwright has been persona non grata after the Writers Guild filed charges of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board on October 2, accusing Perry of axing more than half his writing staff on the TBS sitcom House Of Payne because of their union activity, and bargaining in bad faith with the Hollywood guild. Dozens upon dozens of the biggest producer, writer and showrunner names in scripted television even went so far as to sign an open letter bashing him for his anti-WGA activity. And good thing Barack Obama declined Perry’s invitation to the grand opening of his Tyler Perry Studios production facility in Atlanta this month. Had he not, the Democrat endorsed by many labor unions would have been met by picket lines thrown up by the Writers Guild of America and supported by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. (Perry is one of the Democratic presidential candidate’s staunchest supporters and prized campaigners and even forthcoming film biographer...)
WHAT? Wait a minute... uh... "forthcoming film biographer???" Did I miss something? When was this initially announced? Further research revealed the following:
He (Tyler Perry) also has announced plans to make an Obama film. Perry told the press he is already writing, and plans to direct and produce as soon as late this year, a love story inspired by the relationship between Obama and his wife Michelle. (Perry has said he dreams of casting Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett in the lead roles.) It's not known if the Obamas are cooperating with the film, but the idea occurred to Perry after he heard their story when he had dinner with the couple as well as from his close pal, Oprah Winfrey, who is Obama's biggest showbiz supporter but whose own union track record is one of the worst [...] Perry told reporters about the Obamas, "They just inspired this amazing story. It’s a love story with a little political twist... It’s called For the Love of You and it’s about his love for his woman. It’s going to be amazing."
Ok, so it's not really about the Obamas, but rather a story inspired by their relationship? Right? If that's the case, then I suppose it's a little less of a cause for concern... not that I'll be rushing to go see it either way.
Also, I had no idea Obama was invited to TP's studio grand opening in Atlanta. In hindsight, it was probably a smart move to decline the invitation.
Stay tuned...
If there's ever a bio film made about Obama Will Smith should be cast as him. It would be a perfect fit.
They certainly have the same set of ears :o)