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Michael Jackson THIS IS IT


Michael Jackson in concert in Los Angeles 1984

25 Aug – Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment announced last week in California, U.S. that "Michael Jackson THIS IS IT" will be released exclusively for a special, limited, two-week engagement worldwide. In Malaysia and Singapore, the movie will play on 29 October 2009.

The producers of the project, fully supported by the estate of the deceased pop king, has commissioned Kenny Ortega to direct the motion picture. As Michael Jackson's director and creative partner on 'This Is It' as well as the previous Jackson concert tours 'Dangerous' and 'History', Ortega has been a friend and collaborator of Michael Jackson's for over 20 years. The multiple Emmy Award winner famously directed and visualised Disney's billion-dollar 'High School Musica'l franchise of films both for TV and as a feature film, not to mention being the man behind the fastest selling concert tour in history, the Hannah Montana / Mile Cyrus 'Best of Both Worlds Tour' featuring The Jonas Bros.


The famous "Smooth Criminal" dance
According to a press release from Sony: Ortega said: "This film is a gift to Michael's fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realised we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It's a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius's world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the 'This Is It' collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert. I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates 'This Is It' - inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force - you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers.

One of the more familiar Michael Jackson signature moves in concert
I'm proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I'm happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. 'This Is It' may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work."

"Michael Jackson This Is it" will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com. (for Malaysia www.michaeljackson.com/my and for Singapore www.michaeljackson.com/sg)

 





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