Tyler Perry Studios stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Atlanta’s booming film industry.
Perry became a billionaire movie mogul by making movies out of his plays. He honed his craft until he became a household name. Now Tyler Perry Studios is one of the largest movie studios in the world.
If you’ve ever wanted to see inside it, here’s your chance to grab a glimpse of cinematic genius up close.
Here’s A Look Inside Tyler Perry Studios In Atlanta
With more than 700 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia. Tyler Perry Studios is set up to lead the way for Atlanta as well as the state.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”3″ display=”basic_slideshow”]Perry prides himself on making films that relate to his audience despite the qualms from Hollywood producers to appeal to a wider demographic.
Early Days: Founding in 2006 and First Atlanta Location
Tyler Perry founded Tyler Perry Studios in 2006 after rebranding his production company. Before establishing a permanent home, Perry utilized temporary spaces, including a facility at 99 Krog Street in Inman Park along the BeltLine.
The studio officially opened in fall 2008 at a former Delta Air Lines headquarters in the Greenbriar area of southwest Atlanta.
This 200,000-square-foot facility featured soundstages, including one named after Georgia natives Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. The grand opening drew legends like Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Patti LaBelle, and Hank Aaron.
This initial campus, spanning about 60 acres with five sound stages, served as the production hub for Perry’s early films and TV projects from 2008 until around 2016. It allowed Perry full creative control, a cornerstone of his empire.
The Historic Leap: Purchasing Fort McPherson in 2015
A pivotal moment in Tyler Perry Studios history came in June 2015 when Perry purchased 330 acres of the former Fort McPherson military complex for $30 million from the city of Atlanta. He has since invested over $250 million in its transformation.
Fort McPherson, established in 1885 and named after Union Major General James B. McPherson, has deep roots dating back to 1835. The site served as a Confederate Army base during the Civil War and later as a U.S. Army post until its closure.
Perry’s acquisition turned a former symbol of military history into a beacon of modern creativity, preserving 40 historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Grand Opening in 2019: A Milestone for Black-Owned Studios
Tyler Perry celebrated the grand opening of the new Tyler Perry Studios campus in October 2019. At over 330 acres, it became one of the largest film studios in the United States — larger in acreage than many major Hollywood lots — and the largest entertainment complex owned by an African American.
It features 12 state-of-the-art soundstages (the largest at 60,000 square feet), a 75,000-square-foot water tank, 200 acres of greenspace, diverse backlots, and permanent standing sets including a White House replica, luxury hotel lobby, mansion, trailer park, suburban homes, and more.
Soundstages are named after entertainment trailblazers like Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Sidney Poitier, and Denzel Washington, honoring those who paved the way.
This made Tyler Perry the first African American to solely own a major film studio outright, a groundbreaking achievement.
How Big Is Tyler Perry Studios?
Tyler Perry Studios sits on 350 acres, including 200 acres of greenspace. The property houses a movie studio, 40 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition, the property has 12 sound stages, all of which are named after cinema icons.
What Films Have Been Made At Tyler Perry Studios?
- Sistas,
- The Oval
- Bruh
- Ruthless
Movies like Black Panther, Dolemite is My Name, Bad Boys For Life and Coming 2 America have also filmed at Tyler Perry Studios.
Is Tyler Perry Studios Open To The Public?
Save for the occasional private tour, COVID-19 pandemic has shut down any plans for a public tour at Tyler Perry Studios. Visitors are able to enter the grounds and drive around the roundabout to see a glimpse of the property beyond the front gates.
Aside from a visitor’s center, there’s nothing else an ordinary citizen can see at Tyler Perry Studios, but hopefully he will open it up for tours soon.
Here’s a video tour of Tyler Perry Studios given by the man himself:
Final Word
One thing is for certain: Perry is always hiring. Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!
