On Saturday evening, October 5th, actor Tyler Perry debuted the first black-owned studio, Tyler Perry Studios.
What We Know:
- Tyler Perry, star of all the Madea movies, as well as, writer, producer, and director launched a star-studded, red carpet event for his 330-acres studio, Tyler Perry Studios. Black Hollywood came out in full effect to support Perry, including Samuel L. Jackson, Ava DuVernay, Viola Davis and Halle Berry, just to name a few.
- Tyler Perry Studios is not only the first black-owned studio in America but, it is also independently owned by Tyler Perry himself, with no partners or corporate backing. Guests who were in attendance walked the red carpet with the walls decorated in roses and also enjoyed an impromptu concert with guests Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Johnny Gill, Tevin Campbell, Keith Washington, and Monica.
- Actress Viola Davis expressed with admiration, “Tonight is history. Tonight is not just entertainment and flamboyancy, it’s not just an excuse to get dressed up. It’s an excuse to celebrate a historic moment, which is a black artist taking control of their artistic life and the vision God has for their life.”
- Perry told The Hollywood Reporter that the opportunity to open his own studios was “God-given”. “What it means is that I get an opportunity to pass it on to people. I get to inspire people and encourage them. That’s what it’s all about,” Perry stated.
- Former talk show host and actress Opray Winfrey said the following: “Tyler is my little big brother. To see him rise to this moment that I know he’s dreamed about, planned, defined, clarify for himself, it’s just a fulfillment of a dream.”
- In addition to dining and dancing away the evening, guests were also given a tour of Tyler Perry Studios. Starting with the twelve soundstages that are named after legendary African-American acts: Cicely Tyson, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, and the late Diahann Carroll.
- Tyler Perry Studios is located on an old, confederate army base in Atlanta called Fort McPherson. The studios will begin conducting tours for the public in 2020.
Congratulations to the successful and black entrepreneur. We hope to see many more movies and productions come from Tyler Perry Studios.
