The Bronx Hall of Justice was transformed into a full-fledged Hollywood production set this week, as old courthouse hands — including retired Supreme Court Justice Gerald Sheindlin — took their shot at TV glory.
Sheindlin reclaimed the bench to shoot the pilot for “Erroneous Convictions,” a zany legal drama producers hope will hit the airwaves next year. And Bruce Birns, who co-wrote the show based on his career as a Bronx prosecutor-turned-Law & Order actor, took a star turn as a defense lawyer.
“This is hard work,” Sheindlin, husband of “Judge Judy” star Judy Sheindlin, said after shooting numerous takes Tuesday at the courthouse which was closed for Election Day and devoid of the usual suspects.
“Rehearsals. Lines. It gets tedious. Judy usually gets it on the first try!”
Instead of legal documents, scripts were waved around. One courtroom was taken over by makeup artists.
Kleig lights, cameras and microphones filled the halls.
The crew has spent the week shooting on the courthouse’s sixth floor, often working until 3 a.m.
Several court workers made cameos in the production, including veteran court reporter Laura Bisignano.
The pilot stars actor Tom Bartos and “Inside Man” co-star Kim Director, who battles defense lawyers during a triple-murder trial.
Director said Sheindlin and Birns are key to the pilot’s authenticity.
“You forget that you’re acting and think, ‘I really need to argue this case,'” Director said.
Birns, who is now a defense lawyer, said he was stunned to see his life experiences played out on camera.
“I can’t believe this is coming to life,” he said.
kdeutsch@nydailynews.com
