Madea character gets animated for series

An animation series is in production based on Tyler Perry's play and movie character Mabel "Madea" Simmons.

The opinionated African-American woman is the writer's most well-known creation and has been the subject of plays and movies such as Madea's Family Reunion and Diary of a Mad Black Woman.

"After receiving thousands of letters from parents telling me how much their kids love Madea and realising that a lot of the plays were not kid friendly," said Perry, "I wanted to do something more appropriate, and this seems to be it. A Madea animation looks like the best way."

Perry's company will produce an undecided number of episodes with Exodus Film Group. They will be sold to a network or go to DVD.

Exodus business development chief Jerome Williams said: "Exodus recognised that there was a void in the marketplace for animated properties geared toward the African-American family."

Perry, who has previously played Madea, will voice her in the animation and executive produce alongside Williams, John Eraklis and Max Howard.