Can You Visit Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta? What Locals and Visitors Need to Know
Tyler Perry Studios is one of the most talked‑about places in Atlanta, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to public access. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and wondering, “Can I tour Tyler Perry Studios?”, the short answer is:
No, Tyler Perry Studios is not currently open to the general public for regular tours — but there are a few limited ways you might get on the lot, and several great alternatives in Atlanta if you’re interested in film, TV, and entertainment.
Is Tyler Perry Studios Open to the Public?
Tyler Perry Studios is a working production studio complex located on the site of the former Fort McPherson, southwest of downtown Atlanta.
As of now:
- There are no public studio tours offered.
- There is no walk‑up visitor center.
- You cannot just drive in, park, and look around without prior authorization.
Access is generally limited to:
- Cast and crew working on productions
- Approved vendors and contractors
- Invited guests for special events, premieres, or private functions
- Audience members or background actors with confirmed bookings or tickets
Security at the gates is strict. If your name is not on a pre‑approved list for a specific production or event, you will be turned away.
Where Is Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta?
For context, Tyler Perry Studios is located in southwest Atlanta, near the Lakewood and Oakland City areas.
- General area: Former Fort McPherson, southwest of downtown
- Nearby landmarks: Close to Langford Parkway (GA‑166), not far from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Because it is a secure and private production facility, this is not a sightseeing stop you can explore from the street. Most of what you’ve seen in photos or on TV is inside the gates, not visible from public roads.
Ways People Sometimes Get Inside Tyler Perry Studios
While you can’t book a standard “Hollywood‑style” studio tour, some Atlanta residents and visitors do get onto the lot through specific, organized channels.
1. Working or Interning on a Production
If you work in film, TV, or production support in Atlanta, you may enter the studio:
- As crew or staff on a show, movie, or commercial filming on the lot
- As a contractor or vendor providing services (catering, equipment, transportation, etc.)
For Atlanta locals pursuing film careers, this is the most realistic path. However:
- Hiring is handled directly by productions, casting agencies, and industry contacts.
- Security clearance and check‑in procedures are required each time you enter.
2. Background (Extra) Work
Some people visit Tyler Perry Studios as background actors (extras). Productions sometimes cast extras through Atlanta‑based casting companies.
Typical process:
- See a casting notice that mentions filming at Tyler Perry Studios or a “major Atlanta studio.”
- Apply and get booked for a specific date and time.
- Receive exact arrival instructions, ID requirements, and parking details.
- Check in at a designated gate or crew parking lot.
This is not a casual visit — you’ll be working, following set rules, and restricted to specific areas — but it does get you inside the gates.
3. Invited Events, Premieres, or Special Programs
Occasionally, there may be:
- Private premieres or screenings
- Industry events
- Charity galas or special ceremonies
- Invitation‑only programs or performances
These are not advertised as public events, and invitations usually come through industry or community connections. If you’re invited, your access will be limited to specific spaces and times.
Can You Call or Email to Request a Tour?
For most people in Atlanta, the next instinct is to ask, “Can I just contact them and book a visit?”
In practice:
- Tyler Perry Studios does not operate a public tour program.
- General requests from fans or tourists for tours or visits are typically declined or not accepted.
- Security, privacy, and production schedules make open tours impractical.
If you do find contact information for the studio or its offices, expect it to be focused on business inquiries only, not tourism or fan visits.
What You Can Do Nearby If You Love Movies and TV
If you’re disappointed you can’t walk around Tyler Perry Studios, there are still many film‑related things to do in Atlanta that are open to the public and much easier to experience.
Explore Atlanta’s TV & Film Locations
Atlanta is often called the “Hollywood of the South.” Many productions film on streets and in neighborhoods you can visit freely, including:
- Downtown Atlanta – Seen in countless movies and shows
- Midtown – Skyscrapers, hotels, and cityscapes used for urban scenes
- Old Fourth Ward & Edgewood – Trendy backdrops, street art, and nightlife settings
- Castleberry Hill – Popular for its warehouse‑style, “big city” look
Many local tour companies offer Atlanta movie and TV location tours, driving you past recognizable spots from well‑known productions. You won’t go inside Tyler Perry Studios, but you will see real filming spots around the city.
Visit Other Atlanta Film‑Related Destinations
While every major Atlanta studio has its own access rules, you can often find:
- Public events, festivals, and screenings at theaters and arts centers
- Film festivals featuring work by Atlanta creatives
- Workshops and classes for acting, screenwriting, film production, and more
Check local Atlanta arts and culture listings for what’s current during your visit or over a given season.
How Tyler Perry Studios Fits Into Atlanta’s Entertainment Scene
Even if you never step foot inside, understanding what Tyler Perry Studios represents can give you a better feel for Atlanta’s identity as an entertainment hub.
- It’s one of the largest film studios in the country, built on historic military grounds.
- The studio has helped cement Atlanta’s role as a major center for film and TV production.
- Many Atlantans are employed directly or indirectly through productions shot there and around the city.
For residents, this means more creative career paths in town than in the past. For visitors, it explains why you might see:
- Streets blocked for filming
- Production trucks parked along certain roads
- Extras and crew moving equipment in popular neighborhoods
You may not tour Tyler Perry Studios, but you’ll often feel its ripple effects across the city.
Quick Summary: Visiting Tyler Perry Studios vs. Other Options
Here’s a quick guide to set expectations if you’re planning what to do in Atlanta:
| Question | Tyler Perry Studios | What To Do Instead in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Can you book a public tour? | No – No public or walk‑up tours available | Look for Atlanta TV & movie location tours |
| Can you just drive up and go in? | No – Entry is restricted and security‑controlled | Explore surrounding neighborhoods and landmarks |
| Any way to see inside as a regular person? | Only with work, casting, or a specific invitation | Attend public screenings, festivals, and events |
| Is it still worth caring about if you can’t visit? | Yes – It’s a major part of Atlanta’s film identity | Use it as a lens to explore Atlanta’s film culture |
If You’re an Atlanta Local Interested in Working There
If you live in Atlanta and your goal isn’t just to “visit” but eventually to work at or with Tyler Perry Studios, a practical approach is:
- Build experience on smaller local productions in and around Atlanta.
- Connect with local film organizations, training programs, and unions that support Georgia’s film workforce.
- Keep an eye on casting calls and crew job boards that mention projects shooting at major Atlanta studios.
- Treat Tyler Perry Studios like any other professional workplace: a place you access through your role, not as a tourist.
In Atlanta, Tyler Perry Studios is more like a high‑security workplace than a tourist attraction. You can’t visit the way you might tour a museum or stadium, but you can still enjoy Atlanta’s thriving film scene through public tours, screenings, festivals, and the many real‑world locations you see on screen.