Jacko trial saga 'live' on TV
2005-02-28 20:49
Thinus Ferreira
Cape Town - A new dimension will be added to the hysterical Michael Jackson court soapy as from Tuesday when viewers will be able to watch the daily proceedings on TV, even although cameras are not allowed in Judge Rodney S Melville's courtroom.
TV satellite channels Sky News and E! Entertainment have combined forces and, from Tuesday, each will beam a daily reconstruction of the court case, complete with judge, jury, court orderlies, attorneys and of course the 46-year-old "king of pop" himself, all the roles being played by actors.
The actors will perform the daily evidence unaltered as the text of the drama in the half-hour reconstruction programme.
The name of the programme is The Michael Jackson Trial and will be filmed in a true-to-life reconstruction of the actual Santa Maria courtroom.
It is expected the slot will draw millions of viewers worldwide.
Body double is the 'star'
The set-makers went got the exact measurements of the courtroom and set-builder Larry Basso even duplicated the wood panelling and benches in the exact colour.
Los Angeles actor Edward "Eddie" Moss, who has been imitating Michael Jackson since 1996, plays the role of the pop idol.
He wears a black wig, thick white make-up and a plastic pointed nose.
Moss also portrayed the eccentric Jackson in the film Scary Movie 3.
Celebrities who possibly will be called to testify on behalf of Jackson, and who will also be played by doubles in the TV show, include film stars such as his good friend Liz Taylor, actor Eddie Murphy and singer Diana Ross.
Michael Jackson has been charged with child molesting.
Sky News (channel 52 on DStv) carries the show at 11:30 from Tuesday to Saturday and E! Entertainment on the same days at 09:00.
- Die Burger