"You Need to Get With Tyler Perry!"

Atlanta actors have this common chuckle about hearing these statements from people on a regular basis:

"Do you know Tyler Perry?" "You know Tyler Perry has a new studio in Atlanta, right?" "You should try to get on one of Tyler Perry’s shows." and MY favorite…."Guuuurl…you need to get with Tyler Perry!"

All to which, in my head, I answer…."I wish I could just walk up to his door and say…'You need to put me in your movie'" or "Nope…hadn’t thought of that." :-)  But I know they only mean well and are trying to help me look at all my options, so instead, I can happily answer, "You know…I don’t think I’m gonna GET with Tyler Perry, lol, but I HAVE had the opportunity to work with him." -- And now, on two occasions.

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Perry, in the role of a reporter, in the movie "Meet the Browns", and most recently had the opportunity to work under his direction again, in the feature film, "Single Mom’s Club". 

Consistent with my initial experience of having some freedom to improvise and not be married to the script, his direction on the set of "Single Mom’s Club" reflected the same trust and expectation to handle your business, do what you know, and be in the moment.  And what I find most impressive is that he operates in this manner no matter how big or small the role is.  The shoot was great!  We were in and out…quick and efficient.  I didn’t start out with a lot to say, but just as with "Meet the Browns", ended up with a lot more delivered, because I was ready. :-) 

It was also a pleasure meeting and working with the female stars of the film Amy Smart, Cocoa Brown, Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and one of the sweetest ladies ever, Zulay Henao.  All were really down-to-earth and great to work with.  The crew…of course…on point…made things easy breezy.

This will be added to my list of truly valuable experiences in this journey….

 

Me with Tyler Perry and actress Carrie Walrond
at the SMC Wrap Party

Waiting in my trailer/dressing room to go on set

Me & Zulay Henao  

Me, Nia Long, John Doyle, Anthony Dalton and Cranston 

Me and Amy Smart