Film-maker Perry opens new studio

Tyler Perry (right) hosted guests including actor Will Smith

US film-maker Tyler Perry has opened a new movie and TV studio complex in Atlanta, Georgia.

The official ceremony was attended by Will Smith, Sidney Poitier and Oprah Winfrey, while R&B singer Mary J Blige performed at the event.

The multi-million dollar facility contains studios named after screen legends including Oscar-winner Poitier.

Perry's film and TV work includes drama House of Payne and recent US box office hit The Family That Preys.

"Home"

The 39-year-old says he will film House of Payne at the facility and his other ongoing TV show, Meet The Browns.

Perry, who has a string of cinema successes to his credit, will also use the complex for his film projects.

The film director had another facility in a residential area of the city, which he said was "spiritually in the wrong place".

The new studios are located in a space where Delta Airlines' reservation and finance centre used to be situated.

Perry told the Associated Press that he was considering leaving Atlanta, but said "this is home for me".