Tyler Perry is no stranger to putting into practice the saying “lift as you climb.” With 20 years in the entertainment industry, he has built a legacy, which he is paying forward through his new initiative - the Dream Collective Short Film Program. Through this program, he will be taking what he has learned over the course of his career and sharing it with others.
The Program will center around the process of making a Short Film. Aimed at supporting up-and-coming filmmakers, the program will provide them with unparalleled access to industry experts and training to help empower their careers. With this opportunity, the next generation of filmmakers can learn the craft of filmmaking from some of the best in the business.
“Breaking into the industry can be tough–believe me. When I started making movies twenty years ago, even though my stage plays were selling out, nobody in Hollywood knew my name or gave me a shot. The Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective is my dream of opening the door for the next generation of artists.” – Tyler Perry
The application process will unfold over five stages, beginning April 17 when the submission period will open. After submissions close on May 1, one hundred finalists will be selected from a pool of one thousand applicants and notified later that month. These finalists will then participate in a four-week virtual program, after which they will proceed to round three, in which they will be invited to submit their Short Film scripts for evaluation. In July 2025, ten winners will be selected to move on to round four, where they will be given the opportunity to participate in an immersive, 10-day workshop at Tyler Perry Studios, including Short Film preparation. During this stage, they will be invited to pitch their Short Film vision. Finally, in round five, following an evaluation of the pitches, five winners will receive $30,000 from Tyler Perry Studios to produce their short films in the greater Atlanta area. The winners will also receive mentorship from Tyler Perry Studios and be able to access to the Studio’s production resources.
This initiative is not just about capacity building – it’s about access. Tyler Perry is creating a pipeline for new voices. By investing in the next generation, he is proving once again that his success is not just his own, but a platform for elevating others.
