Although Michael Jackson did not live to see his wish of a massive comeback concert tour fulfilled, he did leave behind a massive archive of hours of rehearsal footage. These final video documents are being used to put together a documentary concert film to celebrate the music and career of Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson's This Is It was put together with full cooperation of his family and estate.
Watch Michael Jackson's This Is It movie trailer
Creation of Michael Jackson's This Is It
The footage which makes up the backbone of Michael Jackson's This Is It was filmed during the months of April, May, and June 2009. More than one hundred hours of video was shot showing rehearsals for Michael Jackson's planned 50 show stage comeback at London's O2 Arena. When Jackson tragically passed away June 25, 2009, the dream of this concert tour went with him. However, fans will now be able to see a great deal of what was planned with rehearsals for a significant number of songs. The footage was shot at Los Angeles' Staples Center and The Forum.
On August 10, 2009, a Los Angeles court approved a $60 million deal in which Sony Pictures would acquire the rights to make a film out of the rehearsal footage. Kenny Ortega, Michael Jackson's creative partner and director of the stage show, will also be directing the film. Michael Jackson's This Is It will include candid and private scenes between Michael Jackson and his crew as well as interviews with a number of Jackson's friends and colleagues. The trailer for the film debuted at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
Personnel for Michael Jackson's This Is It
- Michael Jackson
- Keyboards - Michael Bearden and Morris Pleasure
- Lead Guitar - Orianthi Panagaris
- Rhythm Guitar - Thomas Organ
- Bass - Alfred Dunbar
- Percussion - Roger Bashiri Johnson
- Drums - Jonathan Moffett
- Background Vocals - Judith Hill, Dorian Holley, Darryl Phinnesse, Ken Stacey
- Dancers - Nicholas Bass, Daniel Celebre, Mekia Cox, Christopher Grant, Misha Hamilton, Shannon Holtzapffel, Devin Jamieson, Charles Klapow, Ricardo Reid, Danielle Rueda Watts, Tyne Stecklein, Timor Steffens
More on Michael Jackson's Career
Ticket Sales Plus DVD and CD Release
Michael Jackson's This Is It will only be shown for a 2 week limited engagement beginning October 28, 2009. Tickets for the film will go on sale September 27, 2009. You may be added to an e-mail list to receive details on purchasing tickets when they become available. A 2 disc DVD release is expected by the end of the year that will include additional footage not used for the theatrical film. A CD of music from the film is also expected.
