Tyler Perry’s Production Studio, sprawling across 330 acres in Atlanta, used to be Fort McPherson, a military base. It’s now one of the biggest film facilities in the country. There are 12 high-tech soundstages, each named after a famous Black entertainer, plus lots of open space and sets ready for filming, like a presidential house, a bank, a jail, and more. Even “The Walking Dead” shot here. The place also has 40 historic buildings, including a fancy old house where FDR stayed and that appeared in “Boo 2! A Madea Halloween.”
“Most production companies use soundstages,” commented Paul Wonsek, Perry’s go-to production designer. Wonsek has worked for Tyler Perry for the last eight years and has been among the designers of most of the studio buildings. He further noted “But Tyler builds real architectural structures for shooting. Nobody else works this way.”
The History of Tyler Perry’s Production Studio formerly the Fort McPherson
From 1885 to 2011, Fort McPherson operated as an active Army Base, standing as one of the United States’ most significant command centers at the time of its closure. Hosting the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), it played a pivotal role in overseeing command, unit training, and the operational readiness of the active army.
The White House
Tyler Perry, reflecting on his visits to the White House, takes a moment to tally the memories. “Let me see… Once, twice, thrice—four times, I believe,” he muses. “One standout was an intimate dinner at the president’s private quarters. Just a handful of us, capping off the evening on the Truman Balcony—now that was a moment.” With a chuckle, he emphasizes, “Ah, the Obama White House,” leaning into the significance of the name.
In 2019, away from the executive mansion, Tyler Perry, famed for his role as the creator of the cantankerous Madea, now boasts a White House replica of his own. A three-story stucco rendition, scaled to 80 percent, stands tall as a set for his latest BET drama, “The Oval.” Remarkably functional, the columns bear weight, the toilets operate, and each level is wheelchair-friendly. The most astonishing feat? “We constructed it in just 12 weeks!” he boasts.
The Stages inside Tyler Perry’s Production Studio
There are twelve specialized sound stages, crafted with wooden perms, catwalks, and advanced silent HVAC systems. Their sizes vary from 10,000 to 38,500 square feet, and they’re fitted with a 4000A 3ph 120/208v setup. These stages are purpose-built to cater to the needs of both present and future content creators.
Other Sets Within the Epic 300-Acre World of Tyler Perry’s Production Studio
Looking to film a medical emergency, a prison riot, or a plane crash? Maybe even capture the lively chaos of a trailer park? Well, this studio has you covered with a hospital setting, a mock jumbo jet, an airport terminal, a trailer park, and even a suburban neighborhood.
Perry’s creativity extends further. He relocated a retro diner from rural Georgia to Fort Mac and has plans for a half-mile, six-lane highway dedicated to car chases and drag races. Additionally, he’s working on backlots suitable for scenes set in urban Europe.
Yet, not all of the expansive 300-plus acres are solely for filming; Perry envisions aiding human trafficking victims through a facility soon. Plans also include constructing a 3,000-seat theater for concerts and large-scale events.
Furthermore, Perry aims to enhance the area by introducing restaurants and retail options, potentially transforming the neighborhood into a weekend tourism spot.
However, uncertainties linger about the fate of the remaining 145 acres of Fort McPherson, not under Perry’s ownership. A revamped development team aims to rekindle the potentially massive $760 million transformation project.
His passion for Design and Architecture
Perry admits, “Fundamentally, I’m someone who longs to build.” Reflecting on an alternate path, he muses, “Had I not pursued entertainment, I might have ventured into architecture.” His upbringing in New Orleans, marred by adversity including physical and sexual abuse, led him to discover solace in constructing physical shelters. A makeshift fort beneath his family’s porch stands as his inaugural creation, adorned with a robin’s-egg blue hue and adorned walls. Despite its limitations and mosquito-ridden confines, this cramped space became his sanctuary, a realm where dreams took flight.
Accompanying his father to construction sites, Perry acquired a breadth of skills, mastering tasks from concrete nail drilling to laying down floor joists. The allure of boundless potential inherent in construction deeply resonated with him. “I relished envisioning improvements in floor plans,” he shares. Sketching designs became a passion, occasionally earning him modest sums like $10, $15, or $20 for a single drawing.
His Other Architecture Projects
Perry’s love for designing and building homes has stuck with him. As a self-made multimillionaire who once lived in his car, he’s thrown himself into this passion extravagantly. “For 15 years, I’ve had a few personal construction projects going,” he says. He’s got quite a collection: a fancy mansion in Atlanta, a Tuscan-style place in Beverly Hills, a cosy cabin in Wyoming, and even his island in the Bahamas. “When I got the Bahamas spot, it was bare. I had to set up everything, even bringing in water, power, and palm trees from Miami.”
The Future of Tyler Perry’s Production Studio
In bustling Atlanta, Tyler Perry Studios is buzzing with activity, yet the tireless mogul insists he’s far from done. With a sprawling 200 acres of open land at his disposal, he’s envisioning grander plans. “I’m exploring the idea of building a six-lane highway,” he shares, eyes set on an ambitious vision. He entertains the thought of crafting an enchanting European-style city, one adorned with winding cobblestone streets. “Imagine a place reminiscent of Paris,” he muses, contemplating the possibilities.
Other Significant Locations Showcased in Tyler Perry’s Films and TV Series
1. Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast
Covington’s renowned bed and breakfast, Twelve Oaks, holds a captivating history of film appearances, notably in “The Vampire Diaries.” Additionally, Tyler Perry showcased the exquisite 1836 antebellum mansion in “Madea’s Family Reunion.” In the movie, the Simmons family gathers for a mix of events—a funeral, wedding, and a family reunion—guided by the ever-sassy Matriarch Madea, ensuring order.
You, too, can experience a stay at Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast, whether for your own family reunion or a romantic escapade. Revel in the luxurious bedding and indulge in classic Southern breakfasts offered on the property.
2. Gaither Plantation
Covington’s Gaither Plantation starred as the family home in “Madea’s Family Reunion.” This 159-year-old cotton plantation, previously spanning 875 acres, was the residence of the Gaither family and housed 130 enslaved individuals. Presently, it stands as one of the scarce remnants of mid-19th century farms in northeast Georgia, meticulously preserved under Newton County’s management. The property showcases the 1800s plantation house, a log smokehouse, a hay barn, and two 19th-century cemeteries within its grounds.
3. Atlantic Station
In the movie “Good Deeds,” Perry took on dual roles, both as the writer and the lead actor. The film intertwines the stories of a man managing his family’s thriving company and a single mother striving to navigate life’s challenges. Filming took place at Atlanta’s Atlantic Station shopping and dining complex, known for its assortment of renowned stores, local eateries, and vibrant events like outdoor movie screenings. Moreover, the complex hosts rotating exhibits, such as the well-received showcases “Bodies” and “Titanic: The Artifacts.”
4. Downtown Canton
Perry’s soap opera, “The Haves and the Have Nots,” stands as Oprah’s OWN Network’s top-performing series. It delves into the lives of three distinct families residing in Savannah. The affluent Cryer and Harrington families contrast with the less privileged Young family, each grappling with a diverse array of challenges. Notably, an episode of the show was shot downtown in Canton, prominently featuring the 151 Main building. Additionally, extensive filming occurs in Savannah and at Tyler Perry Studios located in Atlanta.