Alazja Kirk | Staff Writer
Tyler Perry has overcome a childhood of poverty, abuse and homelessness to become a man who inspires the youth to accomplish their wildest
dreams.
Hollywood’s most powerful show-runner created an opportunity for the younger generation to pursue a career in the entertainment industry with the Oct. 5 grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios, his film studio in Atlanta.
In 2015, Perry purchased a 330 acre lot that was once Ft. McPherson Army Base, a Confederate Army Base.Now, the lot is home to 12 soundstages
dedicated to black entertainers who have made tremendous strides in Hollywood.
“I love that he chose to build his studio in Atlanta, of all places,” said Brandi Robinson, a Hampton University strategic communication major from Prince George’s County, Maryland.
“For an African American man to be able to do this without any endorsements is a big deal and definitely an inspiration to someone like me, who’s
interested in the film industry.”
Entertainers who were honored by Perry included Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Smith and Halle Berry – just to name a few. The studio also includes top-tier production facilities, making it one of the largest entertainment studios in the country, according to The LosAngeles Times.
In an interview with CBS News, Perry recalls a moment in 2005 where he realized he needed to dream bigger. After his first movie, Diary of a Mad
Black Woman, was released, he went on to release 17 feature films, 20 stage plays, seven television shows and a New York Times bestselling book. His story inspires many students to believe they can go after their aspirations no matter where they are in life.
“He’s opening doors for more opportunities,” said Angelette Florence, an HU senior architect major from New Jersey. “His story is a prime example
of why you should never give up. He’s a reminder that you can always achieve your goals as long as work toward it.”
Although Oct. 5 marked the official opening of his film studio, it has been operating for a few years while under construction.
Before his grand opening, The Los Angeles Times said Marvel’s Black Panther was the first feature filmed on the lot. Films such as First Man, Pitch
Perfect 3 and all of Perry’s projects, including his TV series The Haves and the Have Nots, followed soon after. The Walking Dead is currently filmed on the lot.
Perry plans on building a compound for trafficked women, girls, homeless women and LGBTQ youth
who are put out and displaced. “There are all of these wonderful things that allow [people] to reenter society and then pay it forward again,” he told NBC News. “So, that’s what I hope to do soon.”
The Hampton Script 