Nationwide — Tyler Perry has launched Maxscene, a new film label under Tyler Perry Studios that honors his late mother, Willie Maxine Perry. The label will support independent filmmakers and help distinctive films reach wider audiences through development and theatrical opportunities. Maxscene will focus on filmmakers who may have trouble finding distribution for their work. The new division plans to provide selected projects with development support and help bring them to theaters.
The label takes its name from Perry’s mother, who died in 2009 at age 64. She worked for much of her life as a preschool teacher at the Jewish Community Center in New Orleans. Her support played a major role in Perry’s career, especially during his early years as he pursued filmmaking.
“Everything I’ve built in my career carries my mother with it, and Maxscene is named in her honor,” Perry told Variety. “My mother, Maxine, believed in me before anyone else did, and that belief is the reason I never stopped chasing this path.” He said the new label aims to give other storytellers the same kind of encouragement.
Antoinetta Stallings, Tyler Perry Studios’ head of development and acquisitions, will lead the new division. She previously worked as the studio’s vice president of unscripted programming and helped launch its joint venture with Pantheon Media Group. Stallings said she had seen talented filmmakers struggle to find distribution and wanted Maxscene to give them a place to build lasting careers.
Maxine Perry’s influence has remained part of her son’s work over the years. She helped inspire the voice and character behind Madea, while their relationship became the focus of the 2023 documentary Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story. The new label adds another way for Perry to carry her influence into his work.
The launch also comes as Tyler Perry Studios continues expanding its operations in Atlanta. The 365-acre studio campus is developing a virtual production stage with Synapse Virtual Production. The facility will use LED volume technology, camera tracking, and real-time 3D environments while continuing to employ traditional production crews.