4. TYLER PERRY
AGE 39
TITLE CEO, Tyler Perry Studios; writer, actor
SMART BECAUSE The Atlanta-based mogul has proved that one need not
exist within the borders of Hollywood to become an industry heavyweight. Through his Tyler Perry Studios, he created and produced Tyler Perry's House of Payne — and persuaded TBS to buy 90 additional episodes in 2006 after a 10-show run earned major ratings. Then in August, he struck a deal with the cable net to produce a new sitcom, Meet the Browns, based on his hit play and movie. The biggest sign of his growing success? This fall, Perry ditched his 70,000-square-foot studio for a twice-the-size production complex in Atlanta, which includes five soundstages and a backlot.
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