Time to give Tyler Perry his due: After continually stealing number one at the box office, nudging his show "House of Payne" into syndication and continuing to adapt his original plays into movie gold, Perry put the cash together to open up his very own movie studio.

Friends like Oprah and Sidney Poitier celebrated the opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia (in a former airline reservations center, no less!) at a Saturday party. Will Smith brought his smiling face and Perry ensemble player Cicely Tyson brought a date to hear Patti LaBelle perform.

Of course, as with any huge party, there were crashers: Writers Guild representatives claim Perry fired four writers from "House of Payne" for participating in WGA activities. Perry's studio may be bright and shiny, but his show is one of the only scripted productions without a union presence.

Related Stories:
· Tyler Perry Makes History With Movie Studio [Faded Youth Blog]
· WGA Vs. Tyler Perry Productions Continued [Deadline Hollywood Daily]
· Celeb Travel coverage [Jaunted]

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"Meet the Browns" is a city-country story of Brenda, a single mom living in inner-city Chicago, who discovers her father--a man she's never met--has passed away. She travels with her kids to his hometown, Atlanta, where she "Meets the Browns": The fun-loving, cozy Southern fam she never knew she had.

Angela Bassett plays Brenda and the film was written, directed and stars Tyler Perry. (Translation: If you're not a Perry fan, skip this one). We hear it's full of crazy characters and pranks.

One of the brightest spots in this film? Atlanta. Check out what to do on your next visit:

Where To Stay: Ellis Hotel Check into one of the city's hippest spots at The Ellis. This renovated boutique hotel is in a restored 1913 historic landmark. The mood's fun and lively and they've got tons of extras like neckties for forgetful male guests and a female-only floor with a secure entry for women traveling alone. Eat before you head home from the bars though, as they only offer room service breakfast.

Where To Hang Out: The Earl An Atlanta institution, The Earl is a great first stop on a night out. The bar's fun and there's guaranteed live music every night of the week. Bring your appetite and dig into specialties like jerk tuna or PBR battered gator fingers.

Where To Spend the Day: The Georgia Aquarium Splurge on the $23 admission and visit the world's largest aquarium, featuring 8 million gallons of water filled with everything from whale sharks to belugas. Known for its innovation, the aquarium's even growing its own massive coral reef.

Related Stories:
· Atlanta Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Movie Set Travel coverage [Jaunted]

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