This Is It`TV Special

Besides offering footage from the 'This Is It' tour rehearsals (see previous MJFC news item), AEG Live is reportedly also offering for sale the broadcast rights for a prime-time tv special based around staging and choreography that Michael personally created for his “This Is It” concerts.

That property prompted fevered competition among television networks over the weekend.

Reportedly, the special would be broadcast in September and it would be directed by Kenny Ortega (“Dirty Dancing”, “High School Musical”) who also worked with Michael Jackson as director of his “This Is It” performances. It is described as featuring an ensemble of superstars that might include Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Will.I.Am performing Michael’s hits using the costuming, choreography, aerial ballet and special effects-driven illusions that had been engineered for the singer’s comeback.

Although it's been reported that NBC is the front-runner in bidding for the TV special, the network declined comment and denied rumors of a deal. However, sources close to NBC say it is in negotiations to air the special.

An announcement about both the television and film projects might be expected today.

Source: MJFC / LA Times