``The Diary of a Mad Black Woman'' Started Principal Photography in Atlanta.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Comedy Marks the Feature Debut of Actor/Writer Tyler Perry, Who Adapted the Screenplay from His Acclaimed Play

Principal photography began yesterday on "The Diary of a Mad Black Woman" in Atlanta, Georgia, it was jointly announced today by Mike Paseornek, President of Production, Lions Gate Films, the motion picture production and distribution arm of Lions Gate Entertainment (AMEX:LGF) (TSX:LGF), and Tyler Perry. The film has been adapted by acclaimed writer Tyler Perry from his play of the same name, and Perry will also play a lead role in the film.

"The 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 20th wedding anniversary, is rudely surprised to find that her husband Charles wants to divorce her in order to be with her best friend.

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.

Paseornek commented, "This film has the warmth and resonance to become this year's `My Big Fat Greek Wedding!' Tyler Perry is a huge talent with enormous grass roots support. This film will bring Tyler's heart, humor and immense popularity to a greatly expanded audience."

"This is a great opportunity to share the experience of laughter and encouragement beyond the live stage to larger audiences," stated Perry. "After being on the road from city-to-city for five years, it's nice to take a break and do it all from one place."

Thirty-four-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 have sold out houses across the nation, including his most recent, "The Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Woman Thou Art Loosed."

The film stars Kimberly Elise ("Manchurian Candidate" & "Woman Thou Art Loosed"), Steve Harris ("The Practice"), Shemar Moore ("The Brothers"), Tamara Taylor ("Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"), Tyler Perry and Cicely Tyson. The film is directed by Darren Grant, produced by Ruben Cannon, co-produced by Mike Upton, and to be photographed by David Claessen.

Lions Gate is the premier independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of approximately 8000 titles is one of the largest in the entertainment industry. The Lions Gate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

The Tyler Perry Company is the parent corporation for Tyler Perry properties encompassing theatrical, film and video production, theatrical tour operations and in-house media product sales and distribution.