Film history was made last weekend as Hollywood celebrities, musicians, and even politicians came out to celebrate the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Tyler Perry made history as the first African American director/producer/writer/actor to open a film studio lot owned by a diverse staff and with no propriety partners or corporate backing.
Big named celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, Beyoncé, Whoopi Goldberg, and Halle Berry attended the event to share their love and support for Perry’s success. Many of Perry’s collaborators, including David and Tamela Mann, Jill Scott, Taraji P. Henson, Cicely Tyson, China Anne McClain, and Mary J. Blige were also in attendance. Politicians who attended included Stacey Abrams and Bill and Hilary Clinton. To have such a diverse lineup of guests be brought together for one huge and historical event is incredible.
The Tyler Perry Studio is one of the largest film studios in the country. The 330-acre studio lot in Fort McPherson was originally a confederate army base during the Civil War. Perry bought the land in 2015. Today, it holds 12 sound stages that were named after iconic African Americans of film history, including Sidney Poitier, John Singleton, and Diahann Carroll, who passed away shortly before the studio’s opening night.
This was an important and well-deserved moment for Tyler Perry and such an honor, as well. What was so amazing about this event is that it has never been accomplished before until then. Film and Television have been becoming successful in Georgia, especially in Atlanta, hence why it’s been given its name the “Hollywood of the South.” Perry’s studio opening is quite a step up and a game changer for filmmakers everywhere. This proves that if someone dream big, they can make those dreams come true and that with motivation and inspiration comes something extraordinary. Perry turned a dream into a reality, and he continues to inspire dreamers to dream bigger.