How Tyler Perry Built an 800,000-Strong Email List (With Templates to Get You Started)

Hey ,

Let's get straight to it: You're here because you're ready to level up.

You're done waiting for permission, done playing small. This week, we're not just talking about betting on ourselves—we're putting our money where our mouths are.

From Issa Rae's web series beginnings to Tyler Perry's post-play chats that built a billion-dollar empire, everyone starts somewhere. This issue is your reminder that it's not about where you begin, but the unstoppable force you become. Let's build this thing, brick by brick—together.

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THE MAIN ATTRACTION

Tyler Perry Built a Billion-Dollar Empire. His Secret? An Email List.

Before social media took over the world, Tyler Perry was building something even more powerful—a direct connection with his audience.

And it all started with one simple thing:

After his plays, Perry would hang out with the audience, talk to them, and collect their email addresses. No fancy campaigns, no big marketing budgets—just real, personal connections.

In his words:
"That mailing list, that hunger that they have, can’t be tracked; nobody can really reach them."

That email list became the foundation of everything he’s built. Perry didn’t wait for Hollywood to notice him. He knew his audience, and he went directly to them.

Here’s the simple strategy that made it work:

• He targeted a specific audience: Black churchgoers in the South.

• He offered a unique product: Gospel-inspired plays that spoke directly to their hearts.

• He built a personal connection: Mixing professional updates with personal stories in his emails.

And the results? Game-changing.

• When the Kodak Theater staff underestimated demand for his play, Perry sent an email—and sold out all six shows.

• When Diary of a Mad Black Woman hit theaters in 2005, it opened at No. 1. Perry called it, and his email list delivered.

Now, here’s what I love about this story—it’s timeless. Perry wasn’t out here chasing trends or waiting for luck to strike. He bet on himself and built a direct relationship with his audience.

Curious to see how it all came together? Check out this link to one of the emails Tyler Perry sent—it’s a masterclass in keeping things personal and impactful.

Perry’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a blueprint. That’s why I’m also sharing email templates to help you get started or take your list to the next level. Your audience is out there, waiting for you to show up.

Your takeaways for today:

• Email is still king.

• Connection beats clicks.

• Start small, stay consistent, and bet on yourself.

Let’s build your empire, one email at a time.

CUE THE OPPORTUNITIES

• MacDowell Fellowship | Deadline: 2/10 | Apply here

• SAMANSA Original Short Film Competition | Deadline: 6/30 | Apply here

• LEF Moving Image Fund | Deadline: 1/17 | Apply here

• Jerome NYC Film Production Grant | Deadline: 4/3 | Apply here

• DocsBarcelona Industry 2025 | Deadline: 1/27 | Apply here

• Diane Weyermann Fellowship at Points North | Deadline: 1/21 | Apply here

• Film Study Center-LEF Foundation Fellowship | Deadline: 2/6 | Apply here

• Hollywood Shortsfest | Deadline: 2/28 | Apply here

• Cannes Indie Shorts Award | Deadline: 3/21 | Apply here

• 4th Annual Female Driven Screenwriting Contest | Deadline: 3/26 | Apply here

PREVIOUSLY ON

We kicked things off together a few weeks ago, but if you missed it, no worries! You can catch up right here.

THAT’S A WRAP

Thank you for being part of this movement. I’m pouring my 10+ years of entertainment industry experience—building audiences, developing platforms, and fueling career growth for top creators—into this newsletter because gatekeepers don’t define our paths. We greenlight ourselves.

—Jerrica

P.S. This newsletter is my way of helping storytellers and content creators like you bet on their dreams. What's one big challenge you're dealing with these days? Hit reply and let me know.