Dr. Conrad Murray Doc Set for Release by Zodiak

LONDON: Zodiak Rights is lifting the transmission embargo on the documentary Michael Jackson and The Doctor: A Fatal Friendship and an accompanying exclusive news interview with Dr. Conrad Murray.

Produced by October Films and what’s it all about? Productions, the documentary features exclusive access to Dr. Murray that was granted in November 2009, prior to his being charged. Murray has continued to be filmed throughout the intervening two years, with recording during the trial.

Zodiak also has the international rights for an exclusive news interview with Dr. Murray that was conducted by Steve Hewlett on October 30. This is the only interview Dr. Murray will conduct, and is available for broadcast immediately after the doc has transmitted worldwide.

The programs have been presold by Zodiak to a number of broadcasters, including Nine Network in Australia, which will air the doc November 10; MSNBC in the U.S., to air it November 11 and 13; and Channel 4 in the U.K., also set to broadcast it later this week.

The film explores the world inhabited by Jackson in his last three months of life. It looks at his fatal relationship with the doctor he handpicked to care for himself and his children, who yesterday was received a guilty verdict for the Involuntary Manslaughter of Jackson in 2009.

Jane Millichip, the 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. The collaboration of MSNBC, NBC, Nine Network and Channel 4 has been vital in delivering this great piece of television.”

Adam Bullmore, the executive producer for October Films, added: “Made with remarkable levels of access and complete editorial independence, 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.”

Leon Lecash, the executive producer for what’s it all about?, commented: "When what’s it all about? productions secured access to Dr. Murray in 2009, we knew that this would be an incredibly compelling film about 21st century celebrity justice."