Tyler Perry and Netflix's Ted Sarandos: Amplify the untapped audience

Ownership

Tyler Perry's philosophy on ownership is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and observations. He recalls how his father, a subcontractor, would earn a fraction of what the house owner would make, which instilled in him the importance of owning rather than just working for others 1. This realization was further solidified by observing Oprah Winfrey's success with owning her talk show. Perry emphasizes that ownership allows for greater control and the ability to focus on serving a dedicated audience, rather than fighting for a place at someone else's table.

I always wanted to be the man who owned the house. That ownership was always key to me.

--- Tyler Perry

His approach has led to the creation of a diverse and inclusive ecosystem in Atlanta, challenging Hollywood norms and providing opportunities for underrepresented voices 2.

   

Independent Platforms

Both Tyler Perry and Ted Sarandos have identified and addressed significant gaps in the traditional Hollywood system by building independent platforms. Perry's journey began with live stage performances where he gauged audience reactions directly, which informed his transition into film and television 3. He recognized the need for representation, particularly for people of color, and aimed to create content that resonated with his audience's experiences and aspirations.

There was such a need for not only representation of people of color, just so that people could see themselves on television.

--- Tyler Perry

Sarandos, on the other hand, leveraged his early experiences in a video store to understand consumer preferences, which he applied to Netflix's strategy of curating diverse content that appeals to a global audience 3.