When New Jersey based actress Racquel Bailey paid $2,000 to create a billboard of herself in southwest Atlanta to get Tyler Perry‘s attention, it landed her an audition. But she was also criticized by the media mogul for her approach.
“Attention Mr. Perry,” the billboard read, which also included Bailey’s headshot and contact information. “Racquel Bailey is your next leading lady.”
The billboard was hoisted on May 6 and May 7, and by May 8 the actress received a call from Tyler Perry Studios. She then made her way down to Atlanta and auditioned for a pilot.
But at the same time, Perry posted a photo of the billboard to his Instagram page in June and advised people not to follow Bailey’s lead. The filmmaker also said he was already familiar with her past work, so her actions weren’t necessary.
“uhhh…. soooooo…… here’s the deal. This is not the way to get my attention if you’re looking for a role in one of my shows,” he wrote on Instagram. “Please DON’T DO THIS, SAVE YOUR MONEY!! This is the third time that someone has done this. PLEASE STOP! To audition is FREE!!”
“I love that you want to work with me, and I love that you invest in yourself,” he added. “But when you do things like this it puts my team on high alert and makes me look at you sideways.”
But now it’s been reported that Bailey landed a part as a police officer in Perry’s upcoming BET show “Sistas,” and she’ll be in the season one finale. She may return for the second season as well.
Plus, TMZ reports the mother of two was contacted by a bunch of casting directors since news of her billboard spread, and she’s secured about 20 other auditions. Bailey landed two parts outside of “Sistas”as well and has more auditions coming up with some big named directors.
Back in June, she spoke about the billboard and what Perry had to say about it.
“Tyler Perry is one of the greatest filmmakers that ever will be,” Bailey told TMZ. “As an actress when he speaks I should listen, and I would be a fool if I didn’t. But this was my leap of faith, my choice, something I felt that I needed to do to stand out.”
But Bailey said although she landed an audition, she wouldn’t advise other actresses to do what she did.
Meanwhile, “Sistas” follows the story of a group of black women from various walks of life, who bond over being single, according to Deadline. It’s scheduled to premiere this fall.
