Film Producer Lawrence Bender meets with UMaine Students

Recently, Lawrence K. Bender '79, renowned producer and political activist, met with students from the class "Topics in Digital Narrative: Existence and Meaning." Bender was in Maine as one of five alumni who were honored at the Foundation's 75th anniversary celebration, which was held on June 9, 2009.

Bender boasts an illustrious career spanning more than twenty years in the entertainment industry. His films to date, among them influential mega-hits Kill Bill, Vol.  and Vol. 2, Good Will Hunting, Pulp Fiction, Anna and the King, Jackie Brown, and Reservoir Dogs, have been honored with twenty one Academy Award nominations, including two for best picture.

During his time with the film class, Bender responded to questions about what he does as a producer. Students were surprised to learn that the producer sometimes comes up with the idea, and then presents it to the director, as opposed to his role of being simply fiduciary. Perhaps the highlight of the visit for the students was Bender sharing a not-yet-seen trailer of his upcoming film, Inglourious Basterds, staring Brad Pitt. He asked the class to critique the trailer and provide feedback.

Bender also talked about his education at UMaine and how the analytical skills that he received during his studies in Civil Engineering, combined with his love of theater and dance, prepared him for his extraordinary career. Bender now lives in Los Angeles.