Tyler Perry's Studio is now OPEN! History has been made!
On October 4, 2008 a star studded grand opening event happen. The first major television and movie studio owned and operated by an African-American film producer has arrived, the "Tyler Perry Studio." The world renowned playwright, screenwriter, actor, director and producer of film and stage plays has developed a 30-acre studio facility in southwest Atlanta that will house the Tyler Perry television shows House of Payne and Meet the Browns along with future feature films.
Inside, Perry had a surprise waiting for Sidney Poitier (The first African/Bahamian American to win the Oscar) , Cicely Tyson (The American Emmy-Award winning, Academy Award-nominated actress and successful stage actress) and Ruby Dee (An acclaimed actor who's career in acting has crossed all major forms of media over a span of eight decades, including A Raisin in the Sun) on the movie lot’s Main Street, just past East 34th St, banners unfurled down the brownstones to reveal the Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee Stage Three, the Cicely Tyson Stage Two and the Sidney Poitier Stage One.
In front of a cheering crowd, Poitier was overcome with emotion as his likeness unspooled in front of him. He majestically pointed his index finger at the applauding crowd and smashed a bottle of bubbly on the wall to christen it. Champagne sparkled on his black tuxedo jacket as he wiped the tears from his eyes with a handkerchief.
Across the way, a large pond was lit in gold light as a screen appeared in the water to reveal a film hosted by Perry, explaining how he found the abandoned former airline reservations center two years ago.
“I looked at the abandoned buildings and I thought, ‘There’s no way,’ ” Perry said on the film. “Then I saw what I thought was debris on the front gates. I looked closer and realized someone had taped Bible Scriptures on the gate. Then I knew. I jumped in full steam with no fear. Nothing but the grace of God has brought me to this place.”
A singer emerged from a stage on the water to perform “The Impossible Dream” as fireworks blazed overhead.
Tears streamed down the faces of the attendees as waiters quietly offered tissues in red velvet boxes.
Both former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and former Brave and home run king Henry Aaron expressed how thrilled they were that Perry chose an often neglected section of the city for the multi-million dollar facility.
“It’s an absolute blessing for Atlanta,” Young said.
Added Aaron: “It’s wonderful to see him giving back to this neighborhood. Even when the city hosted the Olympics, this area never received this kind of assistance.”
History in '08 has been made...
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