AEG Live is wasting no time in recouping its investment in those Michael Jackson shows that never happened. The promoter has inked an estimated $50 million-plus deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment to sell rehearsal footage for a feature film slated for late-year release.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know by now that Jackson had been in the midst of rehearsing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for his London “This is It” shows when he collapsed at his home and later died on June 25. A clip of video footage from those rehearsals was released online days later. Well, apparently there’s a lot more footage where that clip came from. Say, 80 hours-worth.
Kenny Ortega — he who gave us High School Musical — filmed those rehearsals for footage that was to stream during the actual London shows. Included are several videos and, most interestingly, an alternate version of “Thriller.” After much salivating by Hollywood execs, Sony (which also owns Jackson’s song rights) rose to the occasion with an offer.
What, exactly, this Michael Jackson movie will look like is anyone’s guess, at least outside the gilded walls of Sony. It does, however, raise the specter of a slew of re-releases of Jackson’s previous acting credits. (Captain EO, The Wiz, and Ghosts would undoubtedly make a straight-to-DVD killing.)
Whether a new film with fresh footage translates into a box-office success is another question altogether. Jackson’s posthumous record sales, now over 1 million units, certainly supports the idea. But Variety’s Peter Bart and Michael Fleming rightly point out that Jackson’s toxicology results could potentially dampen theater turnout.
None of that should matter much to AEG. Assuming its investment in the London shows was truly around an estimated $30 million, the promoter would earn a handsome payday from its Sony deal. And if AEG further scores deals on TV and video rights for its Aug. 29 tribute concert (featuring Justin Timberlake and others performing songs from Jackson’s “This is It” setlist), the company will be singing Jackson’s praises for a long time to come.
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Since this is currently at Sony, could this be heading to the big screen as well? What an opportunity! Perhaps Jamie Foxx would be willing to respond to this project? The remake of Sanford and Son. This can be a tribute in honor and recognizing Red Foxx contributions to this industry besides, with the right cast this will be a great movie!
The episodes today still remain hilariously funny and touch almost all age groups crossing cultural lines; Foxx did deliver in this character role! The thing that ignited this, I would impersonate Fred G. Sanford and people would enjoy it and the thought hit me! There has not been a Sanford and Son Movie made yet! Della Reese response “Your voice is very much like Redd Foxx’s”. The creativity of makeup artistes today with an acting coach can make me look exactly like Fred G. Sanford.
youtube.com/healingprophet
In my search this was posted:
Sanford and Son could be heading to the big screen
Posted Apr 2nd 2007 3:01PM by Adam Finley
Filed under: TV on the Bigscreen, Celebrities
Does this really surprise anyone? Sanford and Son, Redd Foxx’s sitcom from the 1970s, might be made into a feature film with Bernie Mac taking on the role of Fred Sanford popularized by the late Foxx. The film has been kicking around the studios for a few years now, and is currently at Sony. Nick Cannon is also slated to play Lamont Sanford, Fred’s son.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science doubling the number of best picture nominees! Who knows? I know a comedy film that will be among the nominees!! I can see it now! This film yielding much and receiving an immediate return. I am telling you it will bring to the table drama, comedy and suspense. Hilariously funny causing both the muscles in your face and stomach to tighten up from laughing so hard.
Some might even fall from their seats. Believe me! You will not be able to keep a straight face. I suggest that you use the restroom first before you enter into this movie. Why? Because you will not be able to hold what is longing inside of you. You will release it from cracking up! Yes Sir! The remake of Sanford and Son! THE MOVIE!! The right cast! Hey!! There is a guy that sound like Fred G. Sanford on youtube.com/healingprophet
Michael Jackson has wierd feelings