La Salle Student Films Michael Jackson Murder Trial

Budding filmmaker and senior Allison “Allie” Shadian was awarded a rare opportunity during the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray for the death of Michael Jackson. Shadian, 17, joined the media circus of professional reporters from around the nation and was granted permission to film sections of the downtown Los Angeles courtroom that aren’t allowed to be shown on TV.

Shadian’s film was aired on Lancer TV, La Salle’s student television program, the day after Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

Shadian has also uploaded her film to YouTube. Watch it on the right.

Judge Michael Pastor allowed Shadian to film the empty courtroom before day 15 of the trial began. She filmed the empty jury box, gallery seats for the media and public, the courthouse media room and the passionate crowd of Jackson fans and Murray supporters gathered outside. She even interviewed a Michael Jackson impersonator who traveled all the way from England to witness the trial.

“I learned that the courtroom is under strict control–no cell phones, no cameras. And I was surprised by the combat that takes place in court,” Shadian said. “I also saw the pressure on the reporters covering a big story. They really have to be on top of it, and they must act quickly to get a good story.”

Shadian sat in on the trial, listening to key testimony from Dr. Steven Shafer. Dr. Shafer was called by the prosecution to speak about the drug Propofol, which killed Jackson. Dr. Shafer wrote the insert and directions used by doctors to administer the drug.

Shadian was seated in the courtroom gallery in the same row as Randy Jackson and Rebbie Jackson, siblings of the late Michael Jackson.

Weeks later when the court announced that the jury was ready to read the verdict, Shadian made her way down the courthouse to film the conclusion of her project.

The verdict was read on a Monday. Shadian made the final edits Tuesday morning, and her film aired that day on Lancer TV.

Shadian is part of the Visual and Performing Arts program at La Salle. She said she’s learned how to structure a film, shoot and edit. “I’m really getting comfortable editing now,” she said.

Involvement in high-profile court cases seems to be in Shadian’s blood. Her grandfather is Judge Lance Ito, the judge who presided over the O.J. Simpson trial. He prepped her on what to expect before she entered the courthouse.

“It was like Law 101,” Shadian said.

Shadian also had the help of KABC-TV reporter Miriam Hernandez, who is a family friend. Hernandez accompanied Shadian to the trial the day after she received her media pass.