PBI Goes Hollywood!

PBI President and CEO Esther F. Lardent alongside Emma Watson and Helen Mirren.

It’s official!  We’ve scooped Deadline Hollywood and the Hollywood Reporter.  Access to Justice Pictures announced today that it has commissioned a feature-length film about the Pro Bono Institute.  The movie, currently in pre-production and yet to be named, will document the history of PBI and its mission to increase access to legal services.

Lauren Fairbanks, who is known for her work on emotional films that tackle public interest issues, is slated to be the director.  Production is expected to begin this year, with an anticipated release date of Summer 2015.  The role of PBI President and CEO Esther F. Lardent has yet to be cast, but it’s been reported that Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, and Emma Watson are in consideration to play Lardent at various stages in her career.  As an exclusive benefit to Member Law Firms, we have negotiated special walk-on roles and other cameo appearances.

PBI staff is thrilled to see their story hit the big screen.  According to Lardent, “This will be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about pro bono, the access to justice crisis, and the work that we do here at PBI.”  We will be collaborating closely with the production studio to make sure that PBI, Signatories to the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge^® and Corporate Pro Bono Challenge^®, and Law Firm Pro Bono Project Members are accurately portrayed.

We will keep you posted as more details, including dates and locations of advanced screenings, are finalized!

P.S. Happy April Fools’ Day!