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Unveiling The Shocking Truth: 5 Key Filming Locations For Tyler Perry's Thriller, *Straw*

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The highly anticipated psychological crime drama *Straw*, directed by the prolific Tyler Perry, has captivated audiences not only with its intense storyline but also with its distinct, gritty setting. As of December 2025, the film’s unique backdrop—a city pushed to its breaking point—is a central character, and fans are buzzing to know the exact spots where the drama unfolded. This deep-dive investigation into the *Straw* filming locations reveals how Perry utilized the infrastructure of his Atlanta empire and specific real-world addresses to bring the 2025 Netflix thriller to life, all while completing principal photography in a shockingly short period of time.

The entire production of *Straw* was a testament to the efficiency of the modern Atlanta film industry, relying heavily on the city’s vast production resources. The movie, which stars Taraji P. Henson as a single mother driven to extremes, was filmed almost exclusively in and around the vibrant, sprawling city of Atlanta, Georgia, transforming local landmarks into the fictional, high-stakes world of the film. We explore the definitive list of where the action took place, starting with a look at the powerhouse director and lead actress.

Cast and Director Profiles: The Powerhouses Behind *Straw*

To truly appreciate the production of *Straw*, one must first acknowledge the monumental figures who spearheaded the project: director Tyler Perry and lead actress Taraji P. Henson. Their combined influence and history with the Atlanta film scene were crucial to the movie's rapid and successful shoot.

Tyler Perry (Writer, Producer, Director)

  • Full Name: Emmitt Perry Jr.
  • Born: September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Career Highlights: Creator of the iconic character Madea. Founder of Tyler Perry Studios (TPS), one of the largest film production studios in the United States, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for films like *A Fall from Grace*, *Why Did I Get Married?*, and the *Madea* franchise.
  • Notable Entity: Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) is a key entity in the American South's entertainment industry, occupying a former military base (Fort McPherson).
  • *Straw* Role: Perry served as the writer, producer, and director, showcasing his signature quick-turnaround production style on this psychological crime drama.

Taraji P. Henson (Janiyah Wiltkinson)

  • Full Name: Taraji Penda Henson.
  • Born: September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C.
  • Career Highlights: Academy Award nominee (for *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*). Golden Globe winner (for *Empire*). Known for powerful roles in *Hidden Figures*, *Hustle & Flow*, and *Acrimony*.
  • Notable Entity: Her role as Cookie Lyon in the TV series *Empire* is considered one of her most iconic performances.
  • *Straw* Role: She plays Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mother facing financial ruin who is pushed to her emotional limit, a role that reportedly required intense emotional depth and was filmed in a compact schedule.

The Definitive List of *Straw* Filming Locations in Atlanta, Georgia

The entirety of *Straw* was meticulously filmed within Fulton County, Georgia, utilizing both the controlled environment of a major studio and specific, recognizable on-location spots in Southwest Atlanta. This blend of studio work and real-world settings gave the film its distinct, grounded atmosphere.

1. Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) – The Production Hub

As is common with many of Perry’s projects, Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) served as the central production hub for *Straw*. Located on the historic grounds of the former Fort McPherson, TPS is a massive, 330-acre complex featuring twelve soundstages. The studio was likely used for most of the interior shots, including crucial scenes within Janiyah’s home and other controlled environments. This entity is a cornerstone of the Atlanta film scene, often referred to as "Hollywood of the South."

2. The Fictional Benevolent Bank and Trust

The pivotal location in the movie—the fictional Benevolent Bank and Trust—was brought to life using a real-world building in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood of Atlanta. This location is central to the film's conflict, representing the institutional forces Janiyah is fighting against. The on-site filming lent a sense of realism to the psychological thriller.

3. Prime Integrative Health Building (2891 Lakewood Avenue SW)

The exterior of the Benevolent Bank and Trust was specifically filmed outside the Prime Integrative Health building at 2891 Lakewood Avenue South West, Atlanta, GA. The crew utilized the open space and architecture of this building to create the look of the fictional bank. This specific address in Southwest Atlanta became a temporary movie set during the late spring of 2024, providing a tangible, real-life backdrop for the film's intense drama.

4. Southwest Atlanta Neighborhoods

Beyond the main bank location, *Straw* captured the essence of Southwest Atlanta for many of its outdoor and street scenes. This area of the city is known for its diverse architecture and vibrant, established communities, which provided a rich, authentic texture for a story about a local single mother. The proximity of these neighborhoods to Tyler Perry Studios made for an efficient production schedule, a hallmark of Perry’s filmmaking process.

5. Other Local Atlanta Streets and Educational Centers

Reports also suggest that other local streets and a nearby educational center were utilized for various scenes, all within a short 12-minute drive of Tyler Perry Studios. While specific addresses are often kept private for security, the consistent use of the Fulton County area underscores the film's commitment to a distinctly Southern setting. The overall atmosphere of the city—its traffic, architecture, and energy—serves as a constant, underlying element of the narrative.

Behind the Scenes: The Shockingly Short Production Schedule

One of the most remarkable facts about the production of *Straw* is the incredible speed at which it was completed. Principal photography for the movie began toward the end of May 2024 and concluded in approximately one month. This quick turnaround is a signature characteristic of Tyler Perry's directorial style, allowing him to produce high-quality content for Netflix and other partners with astonishing efficiency.

Taraji P. Henson herself noted the shockingly short period of time it took to film her lead role, a testament to her professionalism and Perry’s organized production machine. Working on a demanding psychological crime drama in such a compressed timeframe requires immense focus from the entire cast and crew, including supporting actors like Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, and Glynn Turman.

The ability to film a major Netflix thriller entirely in one city, leveraging the established infrastructure of Tyler Perry Studios, significantly streamlined the logistics. This approach minimizes travel and location scouting issues, making the Atlanta film industry the perfect ecosystem for Perry's high-volume production model. The film’s success further solidifies Atlanta’s status as a global powerhouse for movie production, often utilizing local resources like Company 3 for post-production services.

The narrative of Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mother driven to extremes by societal neglect and financial pressure, resonates deeply with the real-world backdrop of the city. The use of a tangible, non-descript location like the Prime Integrative Health building for the fictional bank grounds the emotional breakdown in a relatable, urban setting. This choice of real-life locations adds a layer of topical authority to the film, merging the fictional world of the thriller with the reality of economic struggle in modern America.

In conclusion, the filming locations of *Straw* are a perfect blend of studio efficiency and grounded realism. By centering the production in Atlanta, Georgia, and utilizing key spots like 2891 Lakewood Avenue SW and Tyler Perry Studios, the team created a compelling, authentic world for their intense psychological drama. The quick, efficient shoot, while challenging for the actors, speaks volumes about the mastery of Tyler Perry and the robust nature of the Georgia film production scene, delivering a fresh and timely movie to Netflix audiences.

Unveiling the Shocking Truth: 5 Key Filming Locations for Tyler Perry's Thriller, *Straw*
straw filming locations
straw filming locations

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