Tyler Perry Is Looking For The Next Great Filmmaker – Could It Be You?!

When one of the most successful filmmakers of our time creates a program for aspiring storytellers, you simply have to take advantage of the opportunity. So, what exactly is Dream Collective, and how do you apply for it?

Tyler Perry is one of the greats. He is best known for creating his iconic Madea franchise, where he plays a tough elderly woman. But he is so much more than that. Perry is also a talented actor -- featured in some of our favorite movies like Gone Girl, Vice, and Don’t Look Up -- an established producer in the television world -- with series like "House of Perry" and "Meet the Browns" -- and runs his own 300-acre studio in Atlanta, GA. Now he is willing to give his support to the next generation of filmmakers.

The program is called Dream Collective and is run through his Tyler Perry Studios, which he founded in 2006. The program offers collaboration with industry professionals, hands-on support, and creative freedom. Oh! And best of all, a $30,000 budget for five winners to shoot their short films!

Applying to the program is simple so that every filmmaker has a chance to have their voice heard. Simply visit the Tyler Perry Studio website and submit your past work and any accompanying materials. That’s it! Note that the application window is April 17 to May 1.

From the pool of submissions, 100 people are chosen to advance to the next round, where a series of virtual learning sessions await them. In those, the finalists will get to meet with a director and other creatives to discuss getting their career started, how to collaborate, and the triumphs and failures of past productions. With their newly gained knowledge, the finalists are encouraged to submit a short film script with accompanying materials, from which 10 finalists will be selected by July 2025.

And it gets better! A 10-day hands-on training workshop awaits the finalists in which they will learn everything they need to shoot their short film script. This includes experimenting with script scenes, collaborating with department heads, working with actors, and developing directing skills. By the end of the workshop, the 10 finalists will pitch their short film vision and production plans.

Based on these pitches, 5 Grand Prize Winners will be selected by August. They will each receive production funding of $30,000 from Tyler Perry Studios to make their very own short film in Georgia. Apart from a generous budget and a beautiful location, the winners will also have access to a local below-the-line crew, Tyler Perry Studios production resources, and mentorship from industry professionals.

Wow! Does that sound like an incredible opportunity or what?!  Whether you’re a first-time storyteller or a seasoned filmmaker – submit your work because this is YOUR chance to learn from the incredible Tyler Perry!