Tyler Perry Will Open His Atlanta Studio in July Despite COVID-19 Concerns

Tyler Perry plans to reopen his Atlanta studio in July, for production of Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) shows: Sistas and The Oval. Perry is the first Hollywood producer to have set dates for the reopening of his studio.

Filming for Sistas will begin on July 8 while production of The Oval will start on July 28. Perry will be filming both shows as they enter their second seasons and each 22-episode series will take over two and a half weeks to film.

Perry has a detailed plan in place to ensure that production is as safe as it can be.

The producer will fly all non-Atlanta based cast and crew to his studio on his private plane. Before boarding, each person will be tested for COVID-19, and after landing they will be tested again. During the two and a half weeks, each person will be tested for the virus, four times.

Perry will also house the shows’ entire casts and crews on site. His studio was previously the Fort McPherson Army base, so there is ample room for everyone to stay without bringing in mobile structures. Since purchasing the land in 2015, Perry has spent $250 million on renovation and expansion projects.

Perry said he would only begin production if every cast member was on board. After hearing his detailed safety plan, everyone involved with both shows agreed and want to begin filming. Perry worked with leaders in Hollywood’s unions to outline the safest guidelines for production possible. His plans also follow federal and local government regulations.

Most U.S. TV studios and Hollywood producers are looking to resume production starting in late August, September or October.

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