Drug Recovery-Themed Dramatic Ensemble

Sets Digital Debut for

North American VOD Platforms

on October 11, 2022

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired North American VOD rights to the drug recovery-themed dramatic ensemble ADDICT NAMED HAL. ADDICT NAMED HAL will be available to rent and own on North American digital HD internet and satellite platforms on October 11, 2022 through Freestyle Digital Media.

ADDICT NAMED HAL tells the story of a young woman named Amy who is furious at her mother for sending her to a halfway house for doing what she thinks every college kid does – get drunk at parties. But after totaling two cars and endangering her friend’s life, something has to change. In spite of her apprehension, Amy quickly bonds with the other residents – especially Hal, a heroin addict returning to the house from jail. Amy decides to give recovery a try and enjoys her new sense of community – from silly fights to heartfelt reconciliations, along with overdoses and visits from the police. But soon enough, Amy must face the reality that her drinking won’t just disappear, and she may have a bigger problem than she thought. But now, her addiction doesn’t just jeopardize her – it puts everyone in the house in danger. A film exploring the everyday struggles, joys, and horrors of getting clean.

The award-winning ADDICT NAMED HAL premiered at the 2021 Santa Barbara International Film Festival and screened at the Austin Film Festival and Dances with Films amongst others. The Austin Chronicle called ADDICT NAMED HAL, “genuine and endearing…a bittersweet journey that’s anchored in raw emotion.”

Written and directed by Lane Michael Stanley, ADDICT NAMED HAL was produced by Lowell Blank, Thane Swigart, and Lane Michael Stanley. The ensemble cast of ADDICT NAMED HAL features Ray A. Roberts II (‘Hal’), Natalie L’Amoreaux (‘Amy’), Donato De Luca (‘Rich’), and Daniela Vidaurre (‘Tony’).

Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire ADDICT NAMED HAL through producer Lowell Blank of Secretly Famous Productions and Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films.

 “ADDICT NAMED HAL is a love letter to the community of recovery that saved my life when I first got sober after my fiancé died suddenly from a heart attack,” said filmmaker Lane Michael Stanley. “I now have six years sober, and can’t wait to share this urgent story with audiences through our wonderful partner, Freestyle Digital Media.”

“I first read Lane Michael Stanley’s play ADDICT NAMED HAL, and knew it was well-suited for adaptation to film,” said producer Lowell Blank.  “Making the movie has been a labor of love and having Freestyle Digital Media behind its release is a dream come true.”