After a trio of successful Tyler Perry films, Janet Jackson’s jdj Entertainment and Lionsgate have inked a deal for Jackson to “select, develop and produce a theatrical motion picture project.”
Michael Paseomek, president of Motion Picture Production and Development for Lionsgate, says that the company recognizes her “instinct for storytelling.”
“She is a powerful on-screen presence, with a vast audience, and we believe she will be an equally powerful presence behind the scenes,” Paseomek said. “We are honored to be able to provide a home for her ideas, passion and immense talent.”
Powerful presence is an understatement. Jackson has dominated the music industry, throughout her career, she has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists in modern music.
As an actress, Jackson proved her on-screen presence at a young age with an effective portrayal of Willona’s adopted daughter, Penny, in the sitcom “Good Times.” In the ’80s, Jackson had recurring TV roles on “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Fame.”
Jackson began her film career with the 1994 breakthrough role as Tupac Shakur’s love interest, Justice, in John Singleton’s Poetic Justice. Jackson’s performance was fresh and moving. Film critic Rogert Ebert said in his review: “She has aspirations and sensitivities, and as played by Jackson she emerges as a sweet, smart woman who is growing up to be a good person … Janet Jackson provides a lovable center for it.”
Jackson’s collaboration with Tyler Perry in the Lionsgate films Why Did I Get Married, Why Did I Get Married Too and For Colored Girls, earned a combined total of over $152 million at the U.S. box office.
This successful track record paved the way for Jackson to take her skills behind the camera with Lionsgate.
“My experiences of working with the creative group at Lionsgate have been powerful and exciting,” explains Jackson of her decision to produce a film with the studio. “We’ve made three films together so far, directed by the gifted and prolific Tyler Perry. There is genius at this studio in every department. They don’t just make films, they nurture artists who want to make great films.”
Jackson is currently in the midst of her largest ever 35-city world tour, titled “Number Ones: Up Close And Personal.”
