Patricia Heaton executive produces and stars in the legal drama pilot Public Interest from producer/director David Barrett and MPI Original Films.
In addition to Heaton, best known for her role as Debra Barone in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” the cast also includes Richard Schiff (The West Wing), James Wolk (Mad Men), Liana Liberato (Scream VI), Tiana Okoye (Twisted Metal), Carter Redwood (FBI: International), and Josh McKenzie (La Brea).
Barrett, who has directed more than 160 television episodes and produced more than 225, including “Trackers,” “Law & Order,” “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Blue Bloods,” will direct and executive produce “Public Interest.” Produced by MPI Original Films in association with Kemodo Entertainment. The pilot was written by David H. Steinberg and Keetgi Kogan, with revisions by Marc Guggenheim. Production is scheduled to begin this month in Toronto. No network or streamer is connected yet.
According to the official description, “Public Interest” is set in a nonprofit public interest law firm in Washington, D.C., and follows Ingrid Erickson, played by Heaton. “A lawyer unexpectedly assumes the top job at her firm when her longtime president suffers a sudden heart attack, and her unconventional team fights on behalf of those facing impossible odds. As the lawyers navigate high-stakes legal battles, they must also contend with office tensions, personal relationships, and emotional strain.” It’s about trying to do the right thing in an increasingly complex world. ”
“What immediately connected me to Ingrid was her faith and sense of responsibility,” Heaton said in a statement. “She is someone who believes deeply in helping people, even when the road ahead is difficult and uncertain. ‘Public Interest’ explores the tension between idealism and reality in a way that feels incredibly timely, but with warmth, humor and heart at its heart.”
“‘Public Interest’ reflects the type of storytelling that is central to MPI Original Film’s mission: engaging, character-driven stories that explore human dignity, the meaning of justice, and the importance of human freedom,” said Rob Pfalzgraf, president of MPI Original Film. “With Patricia Heaton leading an outstanding cast and David Barrett bringing incredible creative vision, this timely legal drama embodies our commitment to stories that entertain while tackling the deeper issues that shape our culture.”
“The ‘public interest’ is not about promoting a single ideology or telling people what to think. It’s about defending civil liberties that allow honest disagreement to exist in the first place, and preventing those in power from deciding which voices deserve to be heard,” Barrett said. “That’s why I love working with MPI. MPI gives us the freedom to approach difficult and sometimes tense subject matter honestly and thoughtfully, without pressure to conform to an ideological agenda. We’ve been having these conversations with our actors and staff throughout preparation, and it’s created an inspirational energy. With this show, we want to give America a roadmap for how to have those conversations.”
