Actors Anonymous is a 2017 feature film adaptation of James Franco's novel of the same name ( Actors Anonymous). The film explores the complex lives of two young actors pursuing stardom in Hollywood while struggling to escape their past. ^{[1] [2]} The ensemble cast includes James Franco, Eric Roberts, Emma Rigby, Scott Haze, Jake Robbins, Carmen Argenziano, and Horatio Sanz. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

Produced by Rabbi Bandini Productions and Elysium Bandini Studios in collaboration with grad students at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, ^{[6] [7]} the film premiered at Cinequest ^[8] and subsequently screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival. ^[9]

• Scott Haze as Sean
• Jake Robbins as Ben
• James Franco as Jake Lamont
• Eric Roberts as Sonny
• Emma Rigby as Bree
• Keegan Allen as Trey
• Horatio Sanz as Juan
• Carmen Argenziano as Mr. Smithson
• Cynthia Murell as Maggie
• Brit Manor as Karen
• Steve Bannos as Marco
• Kimberli Flores as Sabrina

Actors Anonymous had an unconventional development process, crafted by a collective of eight writers and twelve directors, all graduate students at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. ^{[10] [11] [12]} The project was supervised by John Watson, with James Franco playing a pivotal role not only as a cast member but also in a mentorship capacity. ^{[13] [14] [15]}

Writers

• Elizabeth Eccher
• Nathan Ellis
• Matthew Halla
• Kaela Rae Jensen
• Josh Litman
• Theodore Martland
• Alex Parslow
• Osahon Tongo

Directors

• Melanie Aitkenhead
• Abi Damaris Corbin
• Shaun Duffy
• Justin S. Lee
• Kelly Luu
• Kevin Luu
• Jess Maldaner
• Leandro Tadashi
• Juel Taylor
• Jay Wolff
• Kerry Yang
• Julio Vincent Gambuto

Si Si Penaloza of Jetset Magazine attributed the film's conceptual coherence to "razor sharp film editing and a savvy checks and balances system between multiple directors." ^[16]

Crossfader Magazine's Sergio Zaciu described the film as reminiscent of " La La Land, sans the glamor, and an absolutely gut-wrenching portrayal of loss, heartbreak, and defeat." He added that while "it isn't the most polished outing" and "the production value can seesaw between potent indie and flat lo-fi," as a launching pad for hopeful directors, "it succeeds with flying colors." ^[17]

Published by Little A/New Harvest in 2013, Actors Anonymous is a novel by American author and actor James Franco that serves as the basis for the 2017 film adaptation. ^{[18] [19]} Comprising a series of interconnected short stories, the novel delves into the lives of actors in Los Angeles, structuring its chapters around the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. ^{[20] [21] [22]}

Some actors that appeared in the book trailer also had roles in the 2017 film, such as Jim Parrack and Scott Haze. ^{[23] [24]}