Van Nuys : Jury Is Seated in Alec Baldwin Case

Eight women and four men were selected Thursday as jurors in the Alec Baldwin case, paving the way for opening arguments to begin early next week.

Baldwin, 37, is charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly striking Alan Zanger, 51, a well-known celebrity photographer who was videotaping the October homecoming of Baldwin’s wife, actress Kim Basinger, and the couple’s newborn daughter.

Prospective jurors were quizzed about associations with the entertainment industry and opinions on the Hollywood paparazzi. Most seemed eager to sit on the panel that will decide the fate of Baldwin, star of “The Hunt for Red October” and “The Getaway,” among other films.

One San Fernando telemarketer said her company would not pay for her jury service through next week. When Van Nuys Municipal Judge Michael E. Knight asked her if she wished to be excused, she quickly responded: “I’d like to stay.”

She was later dismissed by the prosecution.

The trial is expected to last about a week and Baldwin will testify, attorneys say. Opening arguments are scheduled for Monday morning.

When photographers tried to take his picture as he sat at the defense table before jury selection, Baldwin abruptly left the courtroom. He returned when jury selection began and photographers were ordered from the room.

Wearing a blue blazer, light-colored pants, black-rimmed glasses and a red- and gold-striped tie, Baldwin sat facing the jury.

The final panel includes a line producer for CBS Television, and an alternate juror’s son is a producer for the TV newsmagazine “48 Hours.”