Young and aspiring talent is always on the lookout for opportunities to break into their chosen careers. Actors dream of working in film and theater, musicians want to upload their music to streaming platforms and perform live gigs, and traditional artists hope to see their work in galleries and sell pieces online.
With Gen Z now entering the job market, they’re approaching these ambitions in ways no generation has before.
Self-tapes with bad lighting, shaky angles, and experimental filming styles are often chosen over perfectly polished reels. Hiring managers are increasingly drawn to bold, unconventional approaches over traditional ones. But as this new wave of creativity reshapes the industry, it has also opened the door for exploitation.
In Atlanta, a scam has begun targeting rising talent eager to work at Tyler Perry Studios. Many apply with a “YOLO—whatever happens, happens” mentality, hoping they might be one of the lucky few to land a position at the prestigious studio.
The trap begins with a Facebook group called Contact Tyler Perry Studios. The group is filled with inspirational quotes and pictures of Tyler Perry, presented as though she herself were the man behind the empire. Members are repeatedly urged to email a gmail adress supposedly belonging to Tyler Perry, rather than a professional account to apply for a position at the studio.
Applicants who send their résumés to the address are met with replies from someone claiming to be Perry himself. This impersonator quickly builds trust—handing out a “personal” Telegram number, praising résumés, congratulating applicants on their hard work, and even quoting scripture to establish a sense of authority and warmth.
But eventually, the scam reveals itself. The impersonator explains that in order to work at the studio, applicants must purchase a “keycard” granting access to the compound. The cost? $1,000. This unexpected demand raises immediate red flags: Why would a billionaire filmmaker need aspiring employees to pay out of pocket just to be considered?
Some applicants recognized the deception and backed out before sending money. Unfortunately, others caught up in the dream of working with one of Hollywood’s most influential creators, were left vulnerable to the scam.
While technology and nontraditional hiring methods have made it easier for talent to be noticed, they’ve also created new opportunities for exploitation.
For every legitimate job post, there may be someone waiting to prey on rising stars who are willing to risk it all for a chance at success.
For more about the scam check out an official statement from Tyler Perry Studios:
Katya Ozerkov
Katya Ozerkov is an outgoing content strategist at The Georgia Sun. Despite not being a native Georgian, she has immersed herself in Georgia's vibrant arts scene for several years. As an artist first and foremost, she is passionate about interacting with and fostering connections with artists in the Greater Atlanta metro area and building a supportive creative community.
