This Is It is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators.
The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.
Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film's release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.
Emergency services were called to his Beverly Hills home at 12.21 p.m. on Thursday (19.21 GMT), the TMZ.com website said. He was pronounced dead some three hours later at the UCLA medical centre.
His death came shortly before he was about to take part in series of comeback concerts in London.
His brother, Jermaine, told journalists that doctors had attempted to revive the singer for more than an hour.
"The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time," he added.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael Jackson was thought to be in hospital last night after collapsing from a heart attack, according to US reports.
The Bad singer was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance after the emergency services were called to his mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles.
US sources say Jackson received CPR from paramedics inside the ambulance as he was taken to the LA hospital.
His mother was thought to have travelled to be by his side in hospital after she was called and informed of his collapse at around 12.30pm LA time.
Concerns for Jackson's health had been growing over recent months after he was rumoured to be suffering from skin cancer and was spotted taking frequent trips to hospital.
Motown Legends the Jackson 5 are rumored to return in 2008, according to Yahoo Music.com. The 5 piece, comprising of superstar Michael Jackson and 4 of his brothers, had a string of hits in the 60's and beyond, before Michael went on to become the best selling singer of all time. The report said the following...
Michael Jackson celebrated the 25 year anniversary of the release of his album "Thriller" by doing a photoshoot and interview with Ebony Magazine. He looks back on form, and looks fantastic. Catch MJ's new album -- out 2008.
