Young stars shine in Georgia-made films

The state’s booming film industry isn’t just drawing big stars to Atlanta. It’s also giving young actors opportunities to launch their careers.

Celebs including Atlanta native Ed Helms, Julia Roberts, from Smyrna, and Chloe Grace Moretz, from Cartersville, hail from the metro area and its surroundings. Wes Chatham, who appeared in “Antwone Fisher,” “The Help” and “Mockingjay” parts 1 and 2, grew up in Lawrenceville. His “Help” co-star Chris Lowell, who also appeared in “Up in the Air,” is from Atlanta as well.

In coming years, we’ll likely be seeing more of young artists including Peachtree City’s Jessi Case, who appears in locally filmed “Mother’s Day.”

Jessi Case stars as Jason Sudeikis' character's daughter in Atlanta-filmed "Mother's Day."

“I got to work with Jennifer Aniston, which was crazy. She’s such a hard worker and is so talented,” said Jessi, 16. “It was the most amazing experience.”

The movie, also with Jason Sudeikis (her on-screen dad), Kate Hudson and the aforementioned Roberts, is due out April 29. Sort of like a “Love, Actually” minus the British accents and holiday setting, the movie is set in Atlanta and follows the intersecting lives of different families as Mother’s Day approaches.

Sandy Springs 10-year-old Owen Vaccaro also appears in “Mother’s Day.”

“In one scene, I got to go down a water slide,” Owen said. “They brought in a huge inflatable water slide in the backyard of this house in Decatur. That was so fun!”

He previously appeared in “Daddy’s Home” with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, which was filmed elsewhere.

10-year-old Owen Vacarro appears soon in Atlanta-filmed "Mother's Day." He also had a role in "Daddy's Home" with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, which filmed elsewhere. Photo: Jennifer Brett

Locally filmed projects are also drawing young actors into the area. Jacob Hopkins, 14, whose credits include roles in the series “True Blood” and “About a Boy,” left Los Angeles temporarily for “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life.” Due out this fall, the movie based on James Patterson’s young adult novel filmed in locations including the Atlanta International School and the original Westlake High School campus in southwest Fulton County.

“I really liked how beautiful Atlanta was,” Jacob said. “There were so many amazing people to meet.”

He plays a bully known as “Miller the Killer,” a role far removed from his sunny personality, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

“It’s all about getting through middle school. It’s hilarious,” he said of the film starring Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle, Adam Pally and Griffin Gluck. “It’s got so many good morals.”

One of the film’s takeaways he mentioned, aimed at kids navigating their tween and teen years, seems apt for folks young and otherwise honing their acting chops.

“Be yourself,” Jacob said. “Confidence is very important.”

Jacob Hopkins plays meanie "Miller the Killer" in "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life." The Atlanta-filmed movie comes out this fall. Photo: Suzette Troche Stapp