What It’s Really Like Working at Tyler Perry Studios: A Career Guide for Aspiring Talent

If you’re interested in working in film, television, or production and you’ve got your eye on Atlanta, Georgia, there’s no way around it—Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) is one of the most recognizable names in the game. It’s not just one of the largest film studios in the country—it’s also one of the few Black-owned studios of its size, scale, and cultural impact.

But what is it really like to work at Tyler Perry Studios?

This guide is written for candidates considering TPS as a potential employer, whether you’re looking to break into the industry or level up your current career. We’ve dug into reviews, salaries, employee feedback, and current hiring opportunities to give you a real look inside the experience.

Overview of Tyler Perry Studios

Tyler Perry Studios sits on a massive 330-acre lot in southwest Atlanta, formerly a military base. It features 12 soundstages named after Black entertainment legends and backlot replicas of everything from a full-sized mansion to a White House set.

TPS is behind shows like The Oval, Sistas, Ruthless, and Zatima, plus numerous feature films and stage productions. The studio has also recently partnered with Netflix to produce new original series, further expanding its footprint in the entertainment world.

If you want to work where high-volume, high-impact content is made consistently—and where Black excellence is embedded into the DNA of the brand—TPS may be a strong contender.

What Kinds of Jobs Are Available?

Tyler Perry Studios posts a range of job opportunities across production, post-production, facilities, operations, and creative teams. Here are a few roles you’ll commonly see:

• Production Assistants (PAs)
• Camera Operators & Lighting Technicians
• Editors & Post-Production Coordinators
• Facilities & Security Personnel
• Sound Engineers & Boom Operators
• Costume, Hair & Makeup Artists
• IT & Network Engineers
• Set Designers & Construction Crew
• Administrative Assistants & HR roles

Actors and background performers are also frequently hired, with many opportunities listed through casting networks and third-party platforms.

What Employees Say About Working at TPS

The Good

Across platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, Reddit, and LinkedIn, many current and former employees describe TPS as a fast-paced, high-output environment with opportunities to learn and grow—especially for those early in their careers.

Here are some standout positives:

• Consistent Work: Because TPS shoots year-round, many freelancers and crew report steady work compared to the start-and-stop rhythm of other studios.
• Learning Environment: Multiple employees praise the opportunities for skill development, particularly for entry-level roles like PAs and junior editors.
• Strong Pay for Atlanta: Reviewers note that TPS often pays above average for production work in the Atlanta area.
• Team Culture: Several crew members and creatives describe a supportive, no-drama environment with talented colleagues and minimal ego.

One former editor said the hours were reasonable and the pay “more than fair” compared to other studios in the region. Others noted that while the work was intense, it was balanced with camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose.

The Challenges

Like any studio, TPS is not without its downsides. While many people love the experience, others find it difficult to adjust to the company’s unique rhythm and leadership style.

Here are a few commonly cited drawbacks:

• Speed Over Precision: TPS productions are known for fast shooting schedules, sometimes filming multiple episodes in a single day. Some actors and crew say they were expected to work long hours with limited prep or rehearsal time.
• Inconsistent Management: Several reviewers mention high turnover in management or issues with disorganized scheduling, late call time changes, or last-minute updates.
• Limited Creative Input: Because Tyler Perry personally oversees many productions, employees—especially creatives—say there’s not much room to contribute ideas or push back on direction.
• Facilities Support Gaps: A few staff in maintenance and logistics roles described poor communication, staffing shortages, or administrative inefficiencies that made their jobs harder.

Still, most reviewers agreed that the benefits of visibility, steady work, and being part of a history-making studio outweighed the challenges—especially for those early in their careers.

Salaries at Tyler Perry Studios

While exact salaries vary by role and experience, here’s a general look at what TPS pays according to aggregated reviews and salary data:

• Production Assistant: $16–$22/hour
• Video Editor: $65,000–$85,000/year
• Lighting Technician: $28–$45/hour
• Facilities Crew: $18–$25/hour
• Security or Maintenance Staff: $16–$20/hour
• Administrative/Coordinator Roles: $50,000–$70,000/year
• Actors (SAG-AFTRA): Varies widely, but many gain union eligibility and network credits

Many jobs include benefits like healthcare, overtime pay, and access to studio amenities. Independent contractors and union crew members may negotiate separately through their guilds or agencies.

Work Culture and Company Pace

One thing everyone agrees on—working at TPS means moving fast.

This is not a studio known for indulgent timelines or drawn-out creative processes. Tyler Perry is known for filming entire seasons of shows in less than two weeks. While this can be stressful, it also results in fast project turnover and constant work opportunities.

The culture emphasizes efficiency, professionalism, and self-sufficiency. Employees who thrive at TPS tend to be:

• Fast learners
• Comfortable with minimal instruction
• Good under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable
• Able to manage long hours or last-minute changes

If you like structure, predictability, and a slow, deliberate creative process—this may not be your ideal fit. But if you’re hungry for experience, TPS can give you years’ worth of hands-on work in a short amount of time.

Legal and Cultural Considerations

It’s worth noting that TPS recently came under scrutiny after a $260 million sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit was filed by actor Derek Dixon. The suit names Tyler Perry personally and alleges misconduct tied to working conditions on set.

Perry has publicly denied the allegations, and the case is ongoing.

While this doesn’t reflect the experience of every worker at TPS, it’s a reminder to all candidates to prioritize workplace safety, advocate for clear contracts, and make sure appropriate HR and legal protections are in place—no matter where you work.

Tips for Landing a Job at Tyler Perry Studios

If you’re ready to explore opportunities at TPS, here’s how to put your best foot forward:

1. Build Local Network Ties
   TPS prefers to hire Atlanta-based talent or those willing to work as locals. Join Atlanta film communities and network with crew who’ve worked there before.
2. Keep an Eye on Their Careers Page
   TPS does not post every role externally, but the official careers site does list core openings. Follow industry job boards for casting, crew, and production calls.
3. Update Your Materials
   Highlight relevant experience—especially anything tied to fast-paced, high-volume production work. List specific tools or technologies you’ve used, and include a link to your reel, portfolio, or IMDb if applicable.
4. Be Ready to Move Fast
   Jobs can be filled quickly. Respond promptly and be flexible with availability if called.
5. Follow Up Thoughtfully
   After submitting, use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters or crew members from TPS. A polite note expressing interest (not desperation) can go a long way.

Is Tyler Perry Studios Right for You?

TPS is a great fit if you:

• Want to break into the industry and build a resume quickly
• Enjoy fast-paced production environments
• Can adapt to tight schedules and minimal instruction
• Want to work at a studio known for amplifying Black voices

TPS may not be the right fit if you:

• Prefer long pre-production timelines and slower creative cycles
• Need high levels of creative input or flexibility
• Require very structured, predictable hours

Tyler Perry Studios is unlike any other studio in America. It combines cultural legacy, entrepreneurial excellence, and relentless work ethic to produce massive volumes of content at scale. For many early-career creatives, it’s a powerful launchpad. For seasoned professionals, it can offer steady, impactful work.

Like any workplace, it has its pros and cons. But if you’re ready to dive in, it might just be your next career breakthrough.

Want to work at Tyler Perry Studios?

We’ve got you covered. TRC helps professionals in film, entertainment, and creative industries find their next opportunity. Visit our job board or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest openings at TPS and other top studios.

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