Tyler Perry’s Tyler Perry Studios is now hiring in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Have you ever wanted to work with Tyler Perry? Do you want to see what goes on behind the scenes of Tyler Perry Studios? Well, the studio is now hiring in Atlanta, Georgia.

Born Emmitt Perry Jr., Perry was born in 1969. The American actor, writer, producer, and philanthropist, was listed in 2011 as the highest-paid man in the TV and film industry, earning $130 million between May 2010 and May 2011.

He created and played the Madea character, a tough older woman from Atlanta, Georgia. He started filming productions of live stage plays, which later became adapted into full-length feature films.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, he wrote and produced several stage plays. Since then, he has also developed several TV shows, including Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. Then in 2012, he landed an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and the Oprah Winfrey Network. The partnership was huge for the OWN network as it brought scripted TV shows to OWN. Perry created several series for the network, including The Haves and the Have Nots. The Haves and the Have Nots is by far the network’s most popular series on the network. In fact, his series was called “one of OWN’s biggest success stories with its weekly dose of soapy fun, filled with the typical betrayals, affairs, and manipulations.”

Outside of producing his own content, he has acted in films including playing Admiral Barnett in Star Trek, starring in Alex Cross, playing Tanner Bolt in Gone Girl, Baxter Stockman in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and Colin Powell in Vice.

More recently, he was included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020.

Life before the fame:

Tyler Perry was born in New Orleans, the son of a carpenter and three siblings. As a child, he attempted suicide to escape his father’s abuse. In comparison, his mother took him to church every week, where he found safety and happiness.

After seeing the movie Precious, Perry revealed for the first time a friend’s mother molested him at age 10. He was also molested by three men and later learned his father molested his friend. It was later revealed through a DNA test that Emmitt Senior was not his biological father.

Tyler Perry did not complete high school; he did receive his GED. In his early 20s, while watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, he heard someone describe the therapeutic effects of writing. This comment inspired him to become a writer and started writing letters to himself, which later became the foundation for the musical I Know I’ve Been Changed.

Tyler Perry’s Career

In the early 90s, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Financed by the then 22-year-old Tyler Perry’s $12,000 life savings, he performed I Know I’ve Been Changed. The play centers around Christian themes, including forgiveness, and also touched on issues including child abuse. The musical initially received poor reviews and was a failure. He did not give up, and over the next six years, he repeatedly rewrote the musical, the poor reviews continued. By 1998, at age 28, he finally succeeded and performed the play first at the House of Blues then at the Fox Theater. He would continue to create new stage productions and start touring them. This would help develop a large, devoted following among Black audiences. In 2005, Forbes reported he sold more than $100 million in tickets, $30 million in videos of his shows, and $20 million in merchandise. Holding 300 live shows each year, had an average of 35,000 people each week.

Tyler Perry raised a $5.5 million budget to fund his first movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which went on to earn $50.6 million. He made his directorial debut in the adaptation of Madea’s Family Reunion, and he directed all of his subsequent Madea films. Madea’s Family Reunion opened at number one at the box office with $30.3 million. The movie would later earn $65 million.

Tyler Perry’s next movie Daddy’s Little Girls, starred Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba, debuted in 2007. It earned over $31 million. He would then write, direct, produce, and star in his next movie, Why Did I Get Married?. It would open at number one, grossing $21.4 million.

Tyler Perry’s movies are co-produced and distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment. That said, he retains full copyright ownership.

He produced one of the longest-running sitcoms, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, which ran for 8 seasons from June 21, 2006, to August 10, 2012. After a successful pilot run, Tyler Perry signed a $200 million, 100-episode deal with TBS. After receiving high ratings, House of Payne entered broadcast syndication. Tyler Perry also wrote, directed, and produced the sitcom Meet the Brons.

Tyler Perry Studios

Tyler Perry’s Studios is a film production company in Atlanta, Georgia, formed by actor, filmmaker, and playwright Tyler Perry in 2006. In 2018, Perry sold his previous studio facility, which had been constructed in 2008, to another minority-owned film production company. The old studio complex was located in the Greenbriar district of southwest Atlanta. The city’s economy’s success is primarily attributed to the illustrious career of actor/filmmaker Tyler Perry, who launched his eponymous production company there in 1997. Tyler Perry Studios has become a key location for Atlanta’s flourishing film industry, where major employers include AMC Theatres and Coca-Cola Freestyle. In 2019, Perry opened his newest Atlanta studio location; he bought a large portion of the of the former Fort McPherson in 2015 to make it the new home of Tyler Perry Studios. It has helped establish him as the first African-American to own and operate a significant studio. In October 2019, Tyler Perry Studios hosted the 42nd annual Atlanta Black Media Festival awards ceremony. This was the first time in its 42-year history that the event was held at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). In attendance were over 4,000 people, including celebrities like Taraji P. Henson, Laz Alonso, and Trai Byers. The awards ceremony was live-streamed on Facebook and Tyler Perry Studios’ website. The Atlanta Black Media Festival is the largest independently produced African American media event in the United States. It celebrates excellence in black film, television, music, and digital media. The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists produces the event. In 2019, Tyler Perry Studios acquired a 10-year first-look deal with Viacom. This means that any film or TV show that Tyler Perry Studios produces will be displayed on one of Viacom’s networks, including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network. In September 2019, Tyler Perry Studios announced partnering with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The partnership will provide scholarships and internships to students at historically black colleges and universities. Additionally, Tyler Perry Studios will donate $2 million to UNCF over the next ten years. In November 2019, it was announced that Tyler Perry Studios would be partnering with Coca-Cola. The partnership will include a marketing campaign and promotional opportunities for Tyler Perry Studios films and TV shows. Additionally, a scholarship program will be established for students interested in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. In 2020, Tyler Perry Studios will release its first feature film under the new partnership with Viacom. The film is called “A Madea Family Funeral,” It is the third movie in the “A Madea Family” franchise. Tyler Perry Studios has been instrumental in changing the film and television industry landscape. By creating opportunities for African Americans in the creative arts, Tyler Perry is helping to shape the future of American entertainment.

History of Tyler Perry Studios:

As a producer, Tyler Perry has complete control of his films and never used any corporate entity as a distributor for his pictures, from Diary of a Mad Black Woman to A Madea Family Funeral. Mr. Perry’s movies are now released by Paramount Pictures and Netflix. His cinematic debut, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, cost $5.5 million to make and became an unlikely box-office success, generating significant debate among industry experts on whether Hollywood films overlooked middle-class African-Americans. It had a gross box office revenue of $50.6 million, but critics widely criticized it, and gave it a 16 percent approval rating on the website Rotten Tomatoes. As of February 2016, over 33 million copies of the book have been sold. It spent more than 55 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. It was eventually published as a novel in 2004 by Simon & Schuster under the title Madea’s Big Happy Family Reunion: Putting Your Past in its Proper Perspective (Madea’s Life/Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Book 4). Perry’s stage productions have toured the world. Daddy’s Little Girls was his next film for Lionsgate, which was released in the United States on February 14, 2007. It made more than $31 million at the box office. In his next film, Why Did I Get Married? (2007), written, directed, produced, and starred in by him, he played himself. It premiered at the top of the box office chart, taking in $21.4 million over its opening weekend. It is based on a play that Perry wrote in 2004. Filming began in Whistler, British Columbia, Vancouver, and Atlanta on March 5, 2007. Meet the Browns debuted at #2 with a $20 million weekend gross. Tyler Perry’s newest film, Madea Goes to Jail, opened at No. 1 on February 20, 2009, grossing $41 million and becoming his biggest opening to date. This was Perry’s seventh Lionsgate film. On May 1, 2012, a four-alarm fire broke out in the studio complex and caused one structure to collapse. On August 12, 2012, another fire broke out on the roof of a different structure less than three months later. On November 20, 2019, the Oprah Winfrey sound stage hosted the MSNBC and Washington Post 2020 Democratic Party presidential debate.  Tyler Perry and T.D. Jakes announced in June 2021 that they had purchased more than 130 acres in Atlanta, including a proposed growth of Tyler Perry Studios for an entertainment center with cinemas, retail shops, and eateries.

Studio locations

The studios’ initial home before moving to their first southwest Atlanta site in 2008 was the old studio space at 99 Krog Street in Inman Park on the BeltLine. Perry had paid $7 million for the property from Atlanta Stage Works in 2006. The studios were subsequently converted into the Krog Street Market. Tyler Perry Studios has taken possession of the historic Fort McPherson facility in southwest Atlanta, which it purchased in 2019. The studio contains 50,000 square feet warehouse, a ranch, and a 200-year-old church. In June 2021, Tyler Perry Studios announced it had purchased more than 130 acres in Atlanta, including Tyler Perry Studios’s proposed growth for an entertainment center with cinemas, retail shops, and eateries. This would make Tyler Perry Studios one of the largest film production facilities in the United States. Tyler Perry Studios has been a pioneer in providing opportunities for African Americans and other minorities in the film and television industry. The studioshave employedd more than 4,000 people, with an annual payroll of $60 million. The studio is also one of the largest employers of African American talent in front of and behind the camera. Tyler Perry Studios has been a significant contributor to the resurgence of film production in Atlanta. Since its inception, Tyler Perry Studios has generated more than $800 million in revenue for the state of Georgia. In 2013, that number was estimated at more than $1 billion. The studio’s impact on Atlanta’s economy is estimated to be $27 million a year. Tyler Perry Studios is one of the most successful film studios. It is also one of the most diverse, with a majority of African American and female staff. The Georgia Film Commission has recognized the studio as one of the top three production companies in the state. Soundstages at Tyler Perry Studios

• Sets
• Airplane
• Bank
• Baseball Fields
• Chapel
• County Jail
• Modern Courtroom
• Courtroom
• Coffee Shop
• Culdesac
• Classic Diner
• Farmhouse
• Historic District
• Lakeside Cabin
• Luxury Hotel
• Mansion
• Maxineville
• Motel
• Post Theatre
• Prison Yard
• Rustic Cabin
• Tennis Court
• Theatre
• Trailer Park
• White House
• The Dream Building
• Greenspace

Production history

Film

• Meet the Browns (2008)
• The Family That Preys (2008)
• I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)
• Acrimony (2018)
• First Man (2018)
• Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
• Coming 2 America (2021)
• Red Notice (2021)
• A Madea Homecoming (2022)

Television

• The Haves and the Have Nots (2013–2021)
• Divorce Court (2019–present)
• Sistas (2019–present)
• The Oval (2019–present)
• Ruthless (2020–present)
• Young Dylan (2020-present)
• All the Queen’s Men (2021–present)
• Hawkeye (2021)

ViacomCBS partnership with Tyler Perry

In 2017, he signed a long-term deal with Viacom for a long term deal. Viacom will distribute video content, and in 2019, Viacom debuted The Oval and Sistas on BET+.

If you want a career that inspires, work that expands your creativity, gives you the chance to live your passion, grow and evolve then come join our team.

According to reports, several job openings were already filled in construction and security work at the building that was once part of the now decommissioned Army base. Sitting about 10 minutes away from downtown Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the studio sits on more than 30-acres. It will boast 12 sound stages, a post-production facility, a 400-seat theater, and a private screening room. It is the first major sound stage for major motion pictures on the East Coast.

Tyler Perry is Hiring New Directors and Writers

Tyler Perry, the CEO of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, is looking for and hiring writers and directors. His new plan is to hire and help young, aspiring creators.

In an interview with Variety, Tyler Perry said he’s looking forward to bringing in “fresh, exciting talent.” Michelle Sneed, the president of production and development at Tyler Perry Studios, told Variety Tyler Perry’s hiring dynamic and new filmmakers and writers.

“We’re super excited about the young, up-and-coming filmmakers and new writers that we’re working with,” she says. “Tyler has solidified his place in the industry; his brand is amazing, and we’ll continue to grow that. Then on the other side, we’re working on promoting, providing a platform, and advocating for this new talent, both in front of and behind the camera.”

Filming at Tyler Perry Studios during the Pandemic

Tyler Perry successfully filmed two seasons at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, amid the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Filming for Season 2 of Perry’s BET series, The Oval finished days ahead of schedule. Filming for the TV series started on August 4th, and the show stayed in production with a one-day scheduled break, completing 22 total episodes.

Over 300 actors and crew members were hired and tested regularly for COVID-19. All of 377 talents tested negative for COVID-19 as Tyler Perry quarantine bubble continued production for the second time in a row. Season 2 of BET’s Sistas was the first TV show to film at Tyler Perry Studios amid the pandemic. The show also finished ahead of schedule. Tyler Perry is getting ready to film two TV shows, including Ruthless and Bruh.

How to apply for a job with Tyler Perry Studios:

• To apply for a Production Job, send your resume and contact information to [email protected]
• To apply for an Operations Job, send your resume and contact information to [email protected]

• For more information and the latest Tyler Perry Studios job opportunities, click here.

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Tyler Perry Studios Gives Back

In January 2020, Tyler Perry offered a job to a man serving a life sentence since 1991. According to WSB-TV, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office launched The Conviction Integrity Unit and listened to 52-year-old Darrell Hall’s cast last year. In December 2019, they went to court to end his sentence and bring him back home. On Wednesday, to celebrate the new unit, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard surprised visitors with the news. “Mr. Perry says you can start to work on Monday,” the District Attorney told Darrell Hall. Hall was given the name, and phone number of a man who Perry said could fill him in on the new job. Howard didn’t say what the job would be. Read the full story here.

Top Tyler Perry Studios Productions You Should Know

Tyler Perry launched his global influence with Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), which introduced the iconic Madea franchise. The series includes audience favorites like:

• Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)
• Madea Goes to Jail (2009)
• Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)
• A Madea Homecoming (2022)
• Madea’s Destination Wedding (2025)

Beyond Madea, Perry has produced a wide range of dramas and comedies such as:

• Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
• I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)
• Good Deeds (2012)
• Acrimony (2018)
• A Fall From Grace (2020)
• Mea Culpa (2024)
• Finding Joy, premiering Nov. 5 on Prime Video

His television empire continues to grow with long-running and new series across major networks, including:

• House of Payne (BET)
• Sistas (BET)
• The Oval (BET)
• Assisted Living (BET)
• Miss Governor (Netflix)
• Beauty in Black (Netflix)

With multiple projects filming year-round, new casting opportunities frequently open throughout the year.

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Who Casts for Tyler Perry Studios?

Rhavynn Drummer: The Longtime TPS Casting Powerhouse For more than a decade, casting director Rhavynn Drummer has been a driving force in discovering talent for Tyler Perry’s productions. Starting as an intern and working her way up, Drummer brings an actor-friendly, performance-first approach. She looks for:

• Strong, confident choices
• Actors who train consistently
• Performers who bring honesty and emotional connection
• Talent willing to play, experiment, and take direction

“I know it’s a good audition when I feel like an audience member,” Drummer explains. “I want to see somebody who is connected, honest, and free.”

Drummer also handles both on-camera and voiceover roles, casting up to 20 voice actors per series. Kim Coleman: Casting for Recent Major TPS Projects Tyler Perry has also partnered with acclaimed casting director Kim Coleman, known for Dear White People, Lovecraft Country, and The Good Doctor. She has recently cast:

• The Six Triple Eight (2024)
• Madea’s Destination Wedding
• Miss Governor
• Beauty in Black

Coleman values:

• Professionalism
• Confidence
• Unique creative choices
• Excellent preparation

“Read the script. Take it seriously. If I’m seeing 150 people, the prepared actor always stands out,” she says.

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How the Tyler Perry Studios Casting Process Works

While every production varies, TPS consistently focuses on uplifting driven actors—especially those who haven’t yet had their big break. Unlike many studios, TPS keeps its casting process approachable, transparent, and open to emerging talent. Representation Helps, but It’s Not Required TPS prefers receiving submissions through agents or managers, but they also release public character breakdowns for actors without representation.

• Lead, supporting, and recurring roles usually require agency submissions.
• Actors without reps can still audition through posted breakdowns and open submissions.
• Casting notices appear on the official TPS Instagram and Facebook pages.

Tyler Perry himself has emphasized how accessible the process is:

“The best way to work for me is to AUDITION, and it’s FREE!” Perry shared on Instagram.

Location Matters: Atlanta Is Key Because nearly all TPS projects film in Atlanta, living in or near the city dramatically increases your chances of booking a role. Casting directors frequently scout local talent and prioritize performers who can work as locals. However, Drummer remains open to out-of-state talent:

“Two to three actors email me every day just to get on my radar—and I’m fine with that,” she says.

Submitting Directly to Casting Many actors don’t realize they can send their headshot and résumé directly to TPS casting. These materials are reviewed and filed for future opportunities. Drummer also works closely with Southern Casting Associates, which posts frequent calls for:

• Background actors
• Stand-ins and photo doubles
• Dancers and musicians
• Featured roles

In-Person vs. Self-Tape Auditions Drummer prefers in-person auditions but says about 60% of casting is now done via self-tape due to production timelines.

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Current Tyler Perry Casting Opportunities

TPS is continuously developing new content. Recently announced upcoming productions include:

• Tis So Sweet (Netflix)
• The Gospel of Christmas (Netflix)

Both will film at Tyler Perry Studios, with casting calls expected soon. Since active casting calls come and go quickly, actors should follow:

• Tyler Perry Studios on Facebook
• Tyler Perry Studios on Instagram
• Tyler Perry Studios on X (Twitter)

Actors should also bookmark Project Casting’s Atlanta Casting Calls page for the latest local opportunities.

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How to Audition for a Tyler Perry Project: Tips from Casting Directors

1. Avoid Stunts—Focus on the Work

In 2019, actress Racquel Bailey bought two Atlanta billboards to get Perry’s attention. While he admired her passion, Perry made it clear this wasn’t the right route.

“This is not the way to get my attention…To audition is FREE!!”

Luckily, Bailey still earned an audition and later booked a lead role—but her story is the exception, not the rule.

2. Build a Professional Online Presence

Casting directors often check:

• Your actor website
• Your social media presence
• Updated headshots and demo reels

Make it easy for them to learn who you are.

3. Treat the Audition Room Like a Playground

Drummer encourages actors to embrace the freedom of performing:

“An audition is just another chance to act. Look at it as a playroom.”

4. Bring Confidence, Not Nerves

Casting directors notice your energy the moment you walk in. Calm, prepared actors stand out.

5. Study the Tone of the Show

Every TPS series has its own style. Know what kind of comedy, drama, or pacing the show uses.

6. Train Consistently

Coleman recommends treating your career like marathon training.

“Become so good your talent is undeniable.”

7. Stay Persistent—Even Through Rejection

Actor Andre Hall nearly quit before booking Perry’s Love Thy Neighbor. His advice?

“Relax. Trust yourself. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

8. Do Your Best and Let Go

Sistas actress Ebony Obsidian reminds actors that booking is unpredictable:

“You never know if it will be a yes or no—just put your best foot forward.”