Zodiak shopping doc and interview with Michael Jackson’s doctor

Distributor Zodiak Rights is selling a one-off documentary about Michael Jackson’s doctor and an accompanying exclusive 15 minute interview with the physician, who was convicted yesterday in a Los Angeles courtroom of the involuntary manslaughter of the music star.

Nine Network (Australia), Channel 4 (UK) and US news channel MSNBC have pre-bought the doc and Zodiak says that ten other international broadcasters have also acquired the show.

Nine will show the doc this Thursday and MSNBC on Friday. Channel 4 will also air it at some point this week.

Zodiak had imposed a transmission embargo on the doc and interview, which will be lifted 48 hours after the conclusion of the trial.

Michael Jackson and The Doctor: A Fatal Friendship is produced by UK indie that has a first-look deal with Zodiak and what’s it all about? Productions.

The producers secured an exclusive interview with Murray in 2009 before he was charged and have subsequently filmed him in the period before and during the trial.

Separately, Zodiak has rights to news interview with Murray, which will be available after the documentary has been broadcast.

Jane Millichip, executive producer for Zodiak Rights said: “The combination of unique access and first-rate film-making make this documentary and news interview truly landmark television.”

Adam Bullmore, executive producer for October Films, said: “We believe this film was the most complete and accurate story of what really happened to Michael Jackson and Conrad Murray on 25 June 2009; and why.”