Tyler Perry describes his plans to restart production on two shows as a "military effort"

Variety

The Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta is on the site of a decommissioned U.S. Army compound. “It’s really a military effort — and no better place to do that than a former military base,” says Perry of his plans to start production on the second seasons of Sistas and The Oval in July in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m excited about it,” Perry tells Variety. “I’m excited about being able to make sure that people can take care of themselves and support their families, but also excited about setting a template here that I think could work everywhere.” As Variety notes, Perry will fly out-of-town cast members on his private plane, adding: "He’ll test the cast and his 'drastically' scaled back Atlanta-based crew when they arrive at the studio and before they begin production, and four more times during the two-and-a-half-week shoots for each show. Everyone on the set will wear protective masks, and group scenes will be held until after the fourth day on set, when everyone has been tested again. Meals will be served in different 'catering pods' on the largest soundstage to maximize social distancing." Asked about the cost of the endeavor, Perry says: “It’s an enormous undertaking and an enormous cost to the budget.”

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