Sony Pictures Entertainment has received court approval to bring Michael Jackson to the big screen in a film based on more than 80 hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage from the late singer's planned "This Is It" London concert series. The film is set for release on Oct. 30th.
According to the deal, Sony will share revenue with AEG Live, the producer of the canceled concerts, after paying a reported $60 million for the film rights.
The deal was negotiated last month by Sony Pictures and its sibling unit, Sony Music Entertainment, with the Michael Jackson Estate and AEG Live, producer of the late singer's planned London concert series.
Director Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical"), who was directing the concert series, is in negotiations with Sony to produce and direct the movie. "The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into the project," Ortega said in a statement.
Along with the rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, Sony obtained the rights to include some 3-D sequences that were going to be shown on video screens during the "This Is It" concerts. The film will be a career retrospective featuring footage from Jackson’s last rehearsals, as well as interviews with friends and collaborators, according to a statement from AEG.
Jackson, 50, died on June 25 in Los Angeles, just three weeks before the "This Is It" concerts at London's O2 Arena were to begin. The LA coroners' office has said the autopsy on Jackson's body is now complete, however results will not be announced until a police investigation is complete.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lincoln Center Honors Michael Jackson on August 30th, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 -- by Wow Jones
Groundbreaking Pop Star Michael Jackson is the subject of a one-of-a-kind presentation this week at New York City's Lincoln Center.
Controversial NY Press Film Critic (and current New York Film Critics Circle Chairman) Armond White is dedicating an entire evening to the work of Michael Jackson in the music video genre. His "KEEP MOVING: Michael Jackson’s Video Art" will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 6 pm at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater.
In this 90 Minute Presentation, esteemed critic and author Armond White will take an in-depth look at Michael Jackson's innovations in the music video genre.
White notes, “When Hollywood didn’t come calling, Michael Jackson responded with a series of short musical films that displayed his affection for the pop tradition. From the popular Thriller to the GREAT Black or White and other landmarks, Michael Jackson—the ultimate performer-as-auteur—changed the way the world responds to cinema.”
In the past Armond White has offered interpretations of a number of music videos by acclaimed filmmakers (Mark Romanek, Marcus Nispel, Hype Williams, Ben Stokes, Spike Jonze, Joseph Kahn, etc), musicians and singers. This is the second time he has focused an entire presentation to one pop artist/music video subject. Armond White had music video presentation devoted to Michael Jackson in January of 2008.
Armond White will also be signing copies of his new book, “KEEP MOVING: The Michael Jackson Chronicles”.
For more information or to purchase tickets for this event please visit:
http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/mj.html
KEEP MOVING: Michael Jackson’s Video Art is on Sunday, August 30, at 6:00 pm at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater.
This Event is Sponsored by the Film Society Of Lincoln Center.
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