Monday, October 07, 2019

Tyler Perry Opens the New Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta


Back in 1997 husband and wife actors Tim and Maxine Reid opened the largest independent Black owned movie studio in Petersburg, Virginia on 57.4 acres with a 14,850 sf ft sound studio.

Over the weekend movie mogul Tyler Perry followed in Reid's footsteps opening the Tyler Perry Studios in Southwest Atlanta...

Almost all of Black Hollywood descended on Atlanta for the weekend long celebration including Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Samuel Jackson, Denzel Washington, Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Halle Berry, Beyonce and Jay Z and many others.

Tyler Perry's studio sits on 330 acres and includes 12 sound stages named after Black actors





I wish I could post pictures from inside this spectacular studio, but we’ve been asked to refrain. I got to experience the dedication ceremonies with my sister @teraduvernay and it was beyond. A black man owns a studio lot larger and more modern than any studio lot in Hollywood. Fun Fact: The studio lots of Disney, Warner Bros, Paramount, Fox and Sony could fit inside Tyler Perry’s studio lot at the same time - and there would still be 60 acres to spare. Jaw dropping. And all on a former Confederate Army base. Our ancestors rejoice. Twelve soundstages. A 200,000 square foot office complex. A whole neighborhood of historic homes and facades for film shooting. Perfectly manicured hedges all around. And beautiful black people working at all levels. A stunning achievement that will echo through the generations. Words can’t express the pride. And the joy. Bravo, @tylerperry. Stunning to witness. History made.
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What a night!!! Thank you @tylerperry ❤️

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Notable absences from the night include Angela Bassett, Steve and Marjorie Harvey, Lena Waithe and Janet Jackson.

Fun Fact: The first Black film studio, Lincoln Motion Picture Company, was founded by Oscar Micheaux in 1918.