HAL Movie: Alexander Ludwig & Emma Roberts to Star in Inspiring New Drama Filming in Atlanta
The upcoming indie drama HAL is generating serious buzz as it gears up for production in Atlanta. Starring Alexander Ludwig (Vikings, Bad Boys) and Emma Roberts (American Horror Story, The Blackcoat’s Daughter), HAL is inspired by the true story behind the founding of global humanitarian organization Convoy of Hope.
With an experienced creative team and a compelling real-life story at its core, HAL is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about independent films heading into production.
What Is HAL About?
HAL tells the story of Hal Donaldson, a journalist shaped by early hardship who believes his voice and storytelling ability are his path forward. As his career advances, he travels to regions marked by deep suffering, witnessing crisis and inequality firsthand.
When Hal meets Doree, a gifted musician, their relationship becomes the emotional foundation that steadies him. But as Hal continues reporting from the front lines of global hardship, the line between observing and acting begins to blur.
Faced with the limitations of telling stories alone, Hal feels called toward something greater — a decision that ultimately leads to the founding of Convoy of Hope.
HAL is a powerful drama centered on purpose, compassion, and the transformative power of action.
The True Story Behind HAL
The film draws inspiration from the real-life founding of Convoy of Hope, established in 1994. Since then, the organization has:
- Delivered hundreds of millions of meals worldwide
- Provided clean water to millions of people
- Responded to major disasters with large-scale relief efforts
- Developed long-term community programs in dozens of countries
Convoy of Hope is recognized globally for its humanitarian impact and public-private partnerships that reach underserved communities. HAL explores the personal journey behind that mission.
Alexander Ludwig and Emma Roberts Lead HAL
Alexander Ludwig as Hal Donaldson
Alexander Ludwig continues to expand his impressive filmography. Known for his role in Vikings and appearances in the Bad Boys franchise, Ludwig recently joined the fourth season of HBO’s The White Lotus.
He is currently starring in Marked Men and has several upcoming projects, including Netflix’s Unabom, the horror-thriller Night Comes, and Killing Castro alongside Al Pacino.
In HAL, Ludwig takes on the emotionally complex role of Hal Donaldson, portraying the internal conflict of a journalist turned humanitarian leader.
Emma Roberts as Doree
Emma Roberts brings depth and emotional nuance to the role of Doree. Roberts is set to appear in the 13th season of American Horror Story, the psychological thriller The Technique, and the romantic comedy Marriage Material.
She also serves as a producer on Hulu’s Tell Me Lies. In HAL, she plays the supportive and grounding presence in Hal’s life.
The Creative Team Behind HAL
HAL is directed by Mark Williams, co-creator of Netflix’s hit series Ozark. Williams’ directing credits include:
- A Family Man
- Honest Thief
- Blacklight
The screenplay is written by Mark Edwin Robinson, and the film is produced by Zero Gravity Management, known for projects like Beasts of No Nation and Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker.
Casting Directors Bringing HAL to Life
Casting plays a pivotal role in shaping a film rooted in emotional authenticity like HAL. The project is backed by an experienced Atlanta-based casting team.
Tara Feldstein Bennett
Tara Feldstein Bennett has worked in the southeastern casting market for over a decade, contributing to more than 80 projects. After moving to Atlanta in 2006, she quickly established herself in principal location casting.
Known for her strong eye for talent and dedication to her craft, Feldstein Bennett brings extensive experience in identifying performers who can deliver emotionally grounded performances.
Chase Paris
Chase Paris began his career in Atlanta as a theatrical agent in 2007 before transitioning into casting. He has since become a respected figure in the Southeast’s growing production industry.
Paris has worked on numerous notable projects and understands the unique demands of productions filming in the Atlanta market.
Casting TaylorMade
Also attached to HAL is Casting TaylorMade, a prominent casting company in Georgia’s film and television industry. The company is known for managing large-scale productions and handling both principal and background casting across major projects filming in the region.
With this team in place, HAL is well-positioned to tap into Atlanta’s deep pool of professional actors and performers.
HAL Production Details
Production on HAL begins in Atlanta on February 9, adding to the city’s growing reputation as a major film production hub.
With filming underway, casting opportunities for background actors, featured roles, stand-ins, and possibly supporting roles may soon be announced.
“HAL” Extras Casting Call for Convoy Volunteer Group
Convoy Volunteer Group Roles for TV/Film Production – Georgia
Job Description
A film and television production is now casting background actors for Convoy Volunteer Group roles in Georgia. This paid casting call is open to all ethnicities, ages 18–100, for a six-day booking. Filming will take place in Fayetteville, Atlanta, and surrounding cities.
Casting directors are seeking reliable performers who can commit to all scheduled shoot dates. Talent must be able to take direction well and maintain continuity throughout the production. Real-life skills in dental, medical, or hair cutting experience are considered a bonus for certain scenes.
This is a multi-day booking opportunity, ideal for background actors looking for consistent on-set work and extended filming experience.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a volunteer group member in multiple production scenes
- Commit to all six scheduled filming days
- Follow direction carefully to maintain scene continuity
- Participate in fitting prior to filming
- Bring realism and consistency to background scenes
Requirements
- Ages 18–100
- All ethnicities encouraged to apply
- Must be available for a six-day booking
- Able to work in Fayetteville, Atlanta, and surrounding Georgia areas
- Reliable, punctual, and able to follow through on all filming dates
- Real skills in dental, medical, or hair cutting are a plus
Compensation
- $132 for 10 hours
- Six-day booking opportunity
- Professional film and TV set experience
“HAL” Convoy Volunteer Group Open Casting Call
Feature Film Casting Call: Volunteer Group Background Roles
Job Description
A feature film is casting background performers to portray members of a volunteer convoy group in a large-scale production. This opportunity is ideal for reliable talent who can commit to a multi-day shoot and bring authenticity to humanitarian and community-focused scenes. The production is seeking a wide age range and all backgrounds to help create realistic, impactful moments on screen.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear on camera as part of a volunteer convoy group
- Follow on-set direction and production guidelines
- Participate in multiple filming days with consistency
- Portray realistic teamwork and community support scenes
Requirements
- Ages 18–100
- Open to all ethnicities
- Must be able to commit to all required filming days
- Comfortable working as background talent in a feature film
- Real-life skills in medical, dental, or hair services are a plus
- Must be able to work in the Atlanta or Fayetteville, Georgia area
Compensation
- $132 per 10-hour day
- Multi-day booking
- Feature film background credit
“HAL” Atlanta Extras Casting Call for Young Girl Actress
Featured Child Actor for Film Project
Job Description
A film production is casting a featured young child actor to appear in an emotionally grounded scene alongside an on-screen mother. This role focuses on natural interaction and authentic presence, making it a great opportunity for young performers with a sweet, outgoing personality. No prior acting experience is required.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear on camera in a featured role
- Interact naturally with an adult scene partner
- Follow gentle direction in a supportive, child-friendly set environment
- Maintain focus and positive energy during filming
Requirements
- White or Hispanic girls ages 3–6
- Comfortable around new people
- Sweet, expressive, and outgoing personality
- No previous film or TV experience required
- Parent or guardian consent required
Compensation
- $175 for up to 8 hours
“HAL” Casting Call for Featured Infant Role
Featured Infant Casting Call
Job Description
A film production is seeking a featured infant to appear as the baby of the main on-screen characters. This paid role is open to individual babies and twins and is ideal for families looking to book a professional on-camera opportunity for their child. The production is looking for infants with a calm demeanor who are comfortable on set with a parent or guardian present at all times.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear on camera as a featured infant in scripted scenes
- Be present on set with a parent or legal guardian
- Participate in short, supervised filming moments
- Remain comfortable in a controlled production environment
Requirements
- Infants ages 0–1 years
- Caucasian / White infants
- Individual babies or twins welcome
- Babies around 6 months old preferred, but smaller older infants may still apply
- Parent or guardian must be available on set at all times
- Able to work as a local hire
Compensation
- $250 for up to 6 hours
“HAL” Feature Film Atlanta Extras Casting Call for Speciality Roles
Special Ability Background Actor Casting Call for Period Film in Atlanta
Job Description
A film production is casting special ability background actors with real experience in a high school band or university choir for period scenes set in the 1990s and 1980s. The project seeks authentic musicians and singers, ideally from existing real-life groups, to add realism to the filming in the Atlanta area. This is a paid background acting opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a 1990s high school band member or 1980s university choir member authentically.
- Follow direction from the assistant directors and on-set coordinators.
- Potentially perform simple musical actions or miming as required by the scene.
- Attend a costume fitting prior to the shoot date.
Requirements
- 1990s High School Band: Real experience playing in a school band.
- 1980s University Choir: Real experience singing in a collegiate choir.
- Age range: 18-35 years old.
- All ethnicities are encouraged to apply.
- Must be available for filming on March 10th (Band) or March 12th (Choir) in the Fayetteville/Atlanta area.
- Must be available for a costume fitting (date TBD).
- Existing real-life bands or choirs are highly encouraged to apply together.
Compensation
- Paid at a rate of $132 for a 10-hour work day.
“HAL” Atlanta Extras Open Kids Casting Call
Child and Teen Background Roles for Period Film and TV Production
Job Description
A large-scale film and television production is casting children and teens to appear in background roles portraying youth from multiple decades, including the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and present day. This opportunity is open to a wide range of looks and backgrounds, helping bring authentic family and community scenes to life across different time periods.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear as a background performer in period-based scenes
- Portray age-appropriate roles from various decades
- Follow on-set direction and maintain continuity
- Work professionally in group and individual background scenes
Requirements
- Ages 0 to 17
- All ethnicities encouraged to apply
- Comfortable working on a professional film or TV set
- Able to meet availability requirements if selected
- Parent or guardian consent required for minors
Compensation
- $132 for 10 hours
- Paid background role
Want to Audition for HAL?
As more details about HAL casting become available, Project Casting will provide updates on audition notices and job opportunities.
If you’re interested in auditioning for a role in HAL, stay tuned to Project Casting, and we’ll keep you posted as soon as jobs become available.
