A movie centered around rehearsal footage of Michael Jackson preparing for a series of concerts in the weeks before his death will hit the big screen for a two-weeks-only engagement Oct. 28, two days earlier than previously announced, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced on Thursday.
The film, called "This Is It," will be crafted using footage taken of the late pop superstar as he rehearsed at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles and the Forum in Inglewood between April and June. More than 100 hours of rehearsal footage was shot, and it is expected to be interspersed with interviews with Jackson's friends and associates.
Given the expected demand, tickets in many cities will go on sale Sept. 27, film producers said.
Kenny Ortega, who was directing Jackson's planned "This Is It" series of concerts in London, will direct the feature film. He previously directed Jackson's "Dangerous" and "History" concert tours. Ortega is also scheduled to direct the remake of the film " Footloose" later this year.
"This film is Michael's gift to his fans," Ortega said. "As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It's a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius' world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before -- this great artist at work."
"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," he added.
Jackson, 50, died June 25. He was found unconscious and not breathing at his rented Holmby Hills estate and was pronounced dead two hours later at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center.
(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2009)
