Tyler Perry launches his own major TV and Film Studio
Posted by v on October 5, 2008
Tyler Perry became the first African-American ever to launch his own major TV and film studio, according to People Magazine. Mr. Perry launched his multimillion-dollar TV and film studio Saturday on 30 acres in southwest Atlanta on Saturday night. The event was attended by a guest list that included Oprah Winfrey, Will and Jada Sith, Sidney Poitier, Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige just to name a few. Makes you want to break into song.
Cause we’re moving on up to the top….took a whole lotta trying, just to get up the hill….now we are in the big leagues and there ain’t no turning back……we finally got a piece of the pie!
His new Tyler Perry Studios contains more than 200,000 square feet of studio and office space in an area that once housed Delta Air Lines’ finance, reservation and computer center.
“I spent 56 years making movies and this is the reward that I have that means the most to me,” said Poitier, 81, the first African-American to win a Best Actor Oscar, for 1963’s Lilies of the Field.
A New Orleans native with a troubled childhood, Perry, 39, credited all of his guests with inspiring his life. Of Winfrey, who attended the celebration with longtime beau Stedman Graham and best friend Gayle King, Perry said, “She owns her life. I am learning that. I never would have shown this to people a few years ago. I was embarrassed by the success.”
At one point, Perry unveiled a special surprise for veteran trailblazers Poitier, Dee and Tyson: each now has a soundstage named after him and her.
“Is this my wall?” joked Poitier – as Winfrey dissolved into tears. Oprah seems to be a whole lotta crying these days.
“You can never be upset with the people who forced you into your dream or up higher,” said Mr. Perry. “They forced me out into a higher situation. It’s worked out much better for me.”
Fantastic! and we wish him continued success.
