- Date: March 31, 2006
- Type: Movie
ATL is a 2006 American drama film, and the feature film directorial debut of music video director Chris Robinson. The screenplay was written by Tina Gordon Chism from an original story by Antwone Fisher, and is loosely based on the experiences of the film's producers Dallas Austin and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (of the R&B group TLC) growing up in Atlanta, Georgia. The film is a coming-of-age tale concerning Rashad, played by rap artist T.I. in his film debut, and his friends in their final year in high school and on the verge of adulthood. The film also stars Antwan Andre Patton, aka Big Boi of the rap group OutKast, Evan Ross, Jackie Long, Lauren London, and Mykelti Williamson. ATL was the first feature film produced by its director and the majority of its cast. Filming took place during the summer over a forty-five day schedule in Atlanta. As the film was produced in Atlanta, director Chris Robinson was able to get many celebrities from the city to make cameo appearances, including Jazze Pha, Killer Mike, and Monica. ATL opened on March 31, 2006, and on its opening weekend the film grossed a total of $11,554,404, ranking third in the U.S. box office. It eventually went on to gross approximately $21 million, replenishing the film's $20 million budget. ATL received generally favorable reviews from critics, and was nominated for numerous awards.