A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has granted a court approval to Sony Pictures Entertainment to edit the footage of the late King of Pop's final rehearsals into a movie titled 'This Is It'.
- Aug 11, 2009
AceShowbiz - A Michael Jackson's final concert tour will indeed be brought to the big screen. On Monday, August 10 in Probate Court, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment has received court approval to edit more than 80 hours of the late King of Pop's rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage into a movie.
Following the ruling, Sony made public that the film will be called "This Is It" and is scheduled to be released on October 30 in theaters around the world. The title of the feature film project is taken from Michael's planned 50-date engagement in London, and the movie itself will feature scenes of him rehearsing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, along with a career retrospective and interviews with friends and collaborators. Select sequences will be offered in 3-D.
Los Angeles Times reported that representatives for Kenny Ortega, who was directing the O2 concert, have confirmed the "High School Musical" series director is in negotiations with Sony to produce and direct the movie. Of the movie, Ortega said in a statement, "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."
The deal between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Sony about the feature film has been approved by Beckloff on Friday, August 7. But, the judge had until Monday to approve, and thus allowed Michael's mother, Katherine, to review the contracts and raise any objections. She didn't object to the film. On Monday, a hearing where a separate merchandising deal is being considered was done.
Gushing about the upcoming film, Michael Lynton, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment stated, "People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance. This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound."
Sony acquired the footage from AEG Live and the Michael Jackson's estate for as much as $60 million, from a bidding that was started at $50 million. Proceeds from the film's release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
