Tyler Perry Studios: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

Tyler Perry Studios was founded by Tyler Perry in 2006 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia, according to Wikipedia, which lists the company as privately owned by Perry. The studio's website says Perry acquired the 330-acre Fort McPherson lot in 2015, and Wikipedia reports that the studio held its grand opening on the site in 2019. The studio's own history page says Fort McPherson was an active Army base from 1885 until 2011.

According to the studio's website, the lot is one of the largest production facilities in the country, with forty buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, twelve purpose-built sound stages, extensive greenspace and a diverse backlot. The site also includes a Historic District set. The studio describes Maxscene as its specialty division dedicated to expanding theatrical opportunities for filmmakers.

Wikipedia notes that the company often advertises for film and crew positions at its southwest Atlanta location, so roles may include production crew, stage and facilities operations, and administrative positions. The careers page on the studio's website is the place to check for current openings.

Company culture and employee programs:

Tyler Perry Studios describes its facility on its website as "designed by a creative, for creatives," with sound stages and a backlot built to meet the needs of productions. Employment at a production studio can vary widely, with some positions tied to individual productions and others on the studio's own staff, so pay, schedules and benefits may differ by role and project. Candidates are encouraged to confirm specifics during the hiring process.

Yes. Employers in the film and television production industry, including Tyler Perry Studios, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they follow applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, employment background screening is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which sets requirements around candidate consent, disclosure, and adverse action procedures. Georgia, where the studio is based, may add its own rules on top of federal law.

Tyler Perry Studios is generally reported to conduct background checks as part of its hiring process. This is consistent with standard practice for production studios, where employees and crew may have access to secure sets, equipment and unreleased creative work. The specific scope of the Tyler Perry Studios background check may vary depending on the role, the department, and whether a position is with the studio or tied to a specific production.

The Tyler Perry Studios hiring process typically begins with an application or inquiry through the careers page on the studio's website. Qualified candidates may then interview with a department head or hiring manager, and production crew roles may be filled through individual production departments. Candidates who receive a conditional offer are usually asked to consent to a background check before a start date is confirmed. Steps may vary by role and project.

Turnaround for a Tyler Perry Studios background check can range from a few business days to longer, depending on the searches ordered and how quickly courts and agencies respond. Many checks are returned within a few business days, while criminal court searches across multiple counties or states can take longer. Candidates who want more detail on typical timelines can review background check turnaround times.

The specific components of a background check are determined by the employer. For a role at a production studio like Tyler Perry Studios, a background check may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review any disclosure and consent forms provided during the hiring process to understand which searches will be conducted for their specific role.

It depends on the role: Tyler Perry Studios may require a drug screen for certain positions, but its policy is not publicly detailed. Studios and productions sometimes use drug screening for safety-sensitive roles, such as operating equipment or driving, and requirements may differ by project. Candidates should review the offer paperwork and any disclosure forms to see whether a drug test applies to their position.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of search and the laws of the state or country where the candidate lives or worked. In the United States, the FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, with certain exceptions for higher-salary positions and specific record types such as convictions. Some states have stricter limits. Candidates with records in multiple jurisdictions may see different lookback windows applied to different searches within the same report.

Tyler Perry Studios' policies on candidates with felony records are not publicly stated in detail, and decisions are typically made on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may influence a hiring decision include the type of offense, how much time has passed, and the duties of the role, such as access to secure sets or equipment. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history, and Checkr's Georgia screening laws page covers the studio's home state.

Candidates applying to Tyler Perry Studios will typically be asked to provide written consent before a background check is initiated. This consent is usually part of a disclosure form provided during the hiring process. Candidates should be prepared to supply accurate personal information, including their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history. Providing accurate information helps ensure searches are conducted in the correct jurisdictions and can prevent delays.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before running a background check, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, and allow the candidate an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information before a final decision is made. For a detailed overview of how the FCRA applies to background checks, visit Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Screening for crew roles may be handled by the studio or by the production hiring for a given project, and the checks may vary by department. Roles involving driving, such as transportation, may include motor vehicle records, while roles with access to the lot or to secure sets may involve identity and criminal history checks. Candidates should read any disclosure form they receive to see which searches apply.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Tyler Perry Studios may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.