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

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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.

A post shared by Ava DuVernay (@ava) on Oct 6, 2019 at 8:25am PDT

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Me and @jadapinkettsmith clean up NICE! We flew down to ATL to be with @tylerperry as he opened the FIRST and largest Black-Owned studio. This moment is monumental in so many ways! And a sound stage in my name... 😳 I’m inspired and honored to be part of something of this magnitude. @tylerperrystudios 📹: @westbrook @jas

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith) on Oct 6, 2019 at 5:19pm PDT

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Happy Sunday. Congratulations to Tyler Perry on the opening of his studios. I could feel our ancestors’ presence. Surrounded by my heroes, I watched Denzel, Queen Oprah, Spike, Whoopi, Sir Poitier, Will, Halle , Dame Cicely and our angels John Singleton and Diahann Carroll honored. The Armand de Brignac crashed against each soundstage as fireworks lit up the sky. Generations of blood, sweat and tears, success, excellence and brilliance. It makes me so proud, so full, I could not stop crying. Thank you my Virgo brother for so much love and passion put into every detail. My prayer today is that you will take it all in. You inspire me to dream even bigger.

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Oct 6, 2019 at 3:56pm PDT

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When Tyler Perry presents a star on his lot that will forever be cemented in his legacy..you go through a range of emotions.

A post shared by Tika Sumpter (@tikasumpter) on Oct 6, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

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@tylerperry I am so grateful to have witnessed Black Excellence, History, and Greatness! The ground we stood on, the room! And EVERYTHING this Lot represents! I am humbled, inspired, and so encouraged! Thank You for being a force! ❤️So beyond grateful for you❤️ #whatanightitwas

A post shared by Kelly Rowland (@kellyrowland) on Oct 6, 2019 at 1:10pm PDT

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What a night!!! Thank you @tylerperry ❤️

A post shared by Keshia Knight Pulliam (@keshiaknightpulliam) on Oct 5, 2019 at 10:49pm PDT

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.