*The Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta have been open for quite some time now, but Saturday night the facility had its grand opening and Hollywood’s A-list showed up.
What’s also significant in a major way is the fact that the 330-acre entertainment complex – which used to be a military facility named Fort McPherson – has now officially opened its doors as the only major film studio in the nation owned by an African-American.
Among the many celebs that showed up to walk the red carpet were Halle Berry, Cecily Tyson, Whoopie Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Samuel Jackson, Spike Lee and Viola Davis.
Here’s what Halle Berry told Channel 2 Action News about what an all black-owned studio means to her.
“It means that we’re here, and we ain’t going nowhere,” Berry said. “And you’re going to remember us a hundred years from now … and that we’re important. We matter. We have a right to be. And I love Tyler for that.”
Cecily Tyson had nothing but praise for the new studio complex.
“I would come straight down from Heaven to experience this moment,” the veteran thespian said. ‘Believe me, I wouldn’t miss it.”
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Here’s more via Channel 2 Action News
​​​​​The studios are a crowning achievement for Perry, a once-struggling playwright who, more than 20 years ago, had been kicked out of his apartment and was living out of his car. Now 50, he’s seen a lifelong dream come to fruition.
Perry said he has built 12 massive sound stages for other Hollywood studios to rent. There’s a replica of the White House for his upcoming presidential television series, “The Oval.” There’s also a set for a hospital, jail, an airliner or an airport terminal, trailer park and a suburban subdivision.
“It’s beyond moving, inspiring, exciting. I can’t even put it into words,” Perry said of the reception Saturday night. “I’m blown away by it.”
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