Lions Gate Films has announcedthat principal photography has begun in Atlanta, Georgia, on Madea's FamilyReunion, the directorial debut from DiaryOf A Mad Black Woman screenwriter TylerPerry.

Based on Perry's stage play - like its predecessor that grossed more than $50min North American theatres through Lions Gate Films earlier this year - Madea'sFamily Reunion follows the continuedadventures of southern matriarch Madea as she attempts to organise a familyreunion.

Perry, Rochelle Aytes, Blair Underwood, Lisa Arrindell and Cicely Tyson star,among others. Reuben Cannon will produce the picture.

"Discovering Tyler Perry has been a very rewarding venture for LGF and wecouldn't be prouder of Tyler's success," Lions Gate's president of productionMichael Paseornek said.

"The continuing saga of Madea'senormously humorous trials and tribulations will keep audiences in stitches allover again and we look forward to the second endeavor in what promises to be avery successful franchise."

Perry has a multi-picture deal with Lions Gate.

Topics