Tyler Perry, the celebrated filmmaker and entrepreneur, has unveiled the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, with a special focus on talent from marginalized communities.
Aspiring filmmakers will soon have the opportunity to submit their work for consideration, with the program offering unprecedented access to industry experts, hands-on training, and career-building resources.
A Gateway to Hollywood for Emerging Filmmakers
According to reports from Deadline, the Dream Collective program officially launches on April 17, 2025, when submissions will open for the first round. This initiative is designed to provide aspiring filmmakers with a platform to bring their stories to life, all while receiving guidance from industry veterans.
“This is about access,” Perry said. “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.”
The competition will unfold over five rounds, beginning with 1,000 entries accepted between April 17 and May 1, 2025. In May, 100 preliminary finalists will be selected and notified. These finalists will participate in a four-week virtual workshop, where they will engage with established directors and industry professionals, learning about both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking.
From Script to Screen: A Life-Changing Opportunity
Following the virtual sessions, finalists will be encouraged to submit scripts and additional materials that best represent their vision for a short film. From this group, ten winners will be selected in July 2025.
The selected ten will then embark on an intensive 10-day hands-on training program at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. This phase will allow them to work closely with industry experts as they prepare to shoot their films.
After training and a competitive pitch session, five grand prize winners will be chosen in August 2025. Each winner will receive a R570,000 ($30,000
R557,902.82) production grant from Tyler Perry Studios to bring their short film to life within the Atlanta area.
Tyler Perry’s Vision: Paying It Forward
“For a long time, it’s been on my heart to create a program where I could take what I’ve learned in this business and share it with others,” Perry said. “That’s why today, I’m honored and excited to introduce the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective.”
This initiative aligns with Perry’s long-standing commitment to supporting underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. His own journey from struggling playwright to Hollywood powerhouse serves as inspiration for young creatives hoping to break into the business.
How to Apply
Aspiring filmmakers eager to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity can find full details and submission guidelines on the official Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective website. With Perry’s guidance and the backing of one of the industry’s most influential studios, this program is set to become a launching pad for the filmmakers of tomorrow.
