3D film of Jacko rehearsing to be released in cinemas by Sony Pictures

by Sarah Crawley-Boevey, Brand Republic 11-Aug-09, 08:50

LONDON - Sony Pictures has made a 3D film of Michael Jackson rehearsing his 'This Is It' tour, to be released in US cinemas this autumn.

The $60m (£36m) movie will appear on screens in America from October 30 and later in the UK where no release date has been confirmed.

The film came about after a Los Angeles judge gave permission for Sony to use the footage of Jackson rehearsing the O2 tour.

Kenny Ortega, director of High School Musical and creative partner on the O2 tour, is expected to direct the film.

He said the footage would show that it was clear Jackson was on his way to another theatrical triumph.

The megastar died on June 25, less than three weeks before the AEG Live-organised 50-date tour was due to begin in London.

It has also been revealed this week that two tribute concerts for Jacko that were to be held at the O2 later this month have been shelved after organisers failed to sign up the performers -- who were to include Justin Timberlake and Leona Lewis -- in time.

However, according to reports another tribute concert is to go ahead in Vienna thanks to promoter World Awards Media which has promised a high profile line-up of international stars.

Yesterday, Brand Republic reported how Australian firm uSocial.net had been contacted by Jackson's family about buying 25,000 followers for the pop star's Twitter account before he died.