Contributed by Amber Cooper 

Saturday Tyler Perry hosted a grand opening celebration to the official Tyler Perry Film Studios in Atlanta. 

The 330 acre film studio consist of sound studios, a white house, a hospital set and a long list of other notable features. This studio location carries great significance as it formally served as a Confederate Army Base. The confederates were in favor of continuing slavery and now this location is owned by one black man. 

Stars from every part of the industry came out to celebrate Perry’s great accomplishment. There are 12 sound studios named after a significant actor in the community. Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, and the late Diahann Carroll are amongst a few stars that were honored. 

Perry even went as far as honoring celebs with their own star on the grounds of his studio that were a part of his films. China Anne McClain can be seen in an Instagram post smiling and saying, “I think my huge smile says it all.. To receive this in front of Oprah, Denzel Washington, and multiple others that I have so much respect for… it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

According to Curbed Atlanta, the location consist of several replicated sets that include a trailer park, luxury hotel lobby, a 16,000-square-foot mansion, a diner and as previously stated, a white house and hospital set. However, the studio is not just for film production. Perry is hoping to start initiatives that will help combat human trafficking, create retail options, and use the venue for large concerts and events. 

11 Alive: Where Atlanta Speaks highlight parts of the studio during construction in 2018 and a closer look at the finished product is featured across social media. 

Perry is officially the only black man in America to outright own their own film studio. Perry will continue to provide opportunities for stars as he stamps his name in the industry.