An unreleased documentary showcasing the King of Pop’s 2007 photo shoots with Ebony/Jet Magazine and L’Uomo Vogue is certain to make an overwhelmingly positive impact on the late superstar’s fans around the world – IF they ever get to see it.
The documentary opens with intimate footage of photographer Bruce Weber, the man in charge of taking Jackson’s picture for the L’Uomo Vogue feature, talking to his assistants about where they were when they first heard the ‘Thriller’ album and what their memories of that experience are, adding that this shoot was in celebration 25th anniversary of the music on that album.
“I want you to take it from the perspective of Mr. Weber, so you’re getting the making of the whole thing from his perspective,” Jackson instructs the film crew as he prepares to be photographed by Weber.
The documentary takes you through the tedious but rewarding process of executing a photo shoot with the world’s most iconic entertainer – from booking the shoot, to getting Jackson there, to the makeup and styling process, and ultimately taking the pictures and getting the shots required.
The footage in this film is simply beautiful. There are a number of stunning close-up shots of Jackson both having his makeup done, and in action during the shoots. He looks healthy, full of life and completely comfortable in front of both the photographer and the videographer’s lens. He can be seen striking poses and taking direction from those on set. At times he seems completely swept up in the adrenalin of being the ‘star’ of the show, busting out aggressive dance moves, punching the air powerfully, and ripping the set backdrop to pieces with his bare hands. As Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard, Jackson’s bodyguards at the time recalled in their book ‘Remember the Time – Protecting Michael Jackson in his final days’; this was Mr. Jackson in ‘King of Pop mode’.
Rushka Bergman, a celebrity stylist who had the task of picking clothes for the Vogue shoot, seems to have a cute little crush on the Jackson. “I think that Michael Jackson was very sexy,” she tells the camera. “I think that any time I put clothes on him, he looked better than any supermodel.”
The stories of Jackson being extremely gracious are shown to be true. He makes a special effort to shake the hand of every single photographer, assistant, makeup artist, lighting person, magazine representative and venue staff member on set – something that impressed his personal assistant, Michael Amir Williams, and Ebony/Jet editor in chief, Harriette Cole.
“What I loved the most about working with Michael Jackson is how kind he was to everyone,” recalls Cole. “He was gracious to the elevator operator, the guard and the executives in the museum. He made sure to thank each person who was in ear shot when the shoot was over. He was generous and kind. Did some people feel intimidated by him? I don’t know if that’s the right word. More, I think some people were mesmerized. Some were pinching themselves wondering if they actually were in the presence of the King of Pop.”
One scene is sure to send Jackson’s female fans into a frenzy. Jackson and Weber had just completed their shoot and were exchanging their thanks to each other when they randomly start talking about their mutual friend, Elizabeth Taylor. In the scene Jackson can be seen smiling, giggling and biting his finger as Weber recounts a recent telephone conversation with Taylor. It’s not a groundbreaking moment, but it’s sweet nonetheless.
The photo shoots took place in New York in September 2007 – L’Uomo Vogue on the 15th and Ebony/Jet on the 24th.
“Michael wanted to be photographed in an artistic setting and the Brooklyn Museum gladly accommodated us all,” recalled Harriette Cole at the time of the shoots. “We shot in the midst of ancient and contemporary history, and it was powerful to be in that space.”
“We worked with celebrity fashion stylist Phillip Bloch to develop concepts for wardrobe and then he and his team went shopping. We really wanted him to look elegant and timeless on the cover. We found a number of looks that would achieve that and presented them to Michael. He ultimately chose what he would be happy to wear, which turned out to be far more outfits than we had time to shoot.”
“Michael Jackson was the perfect fit for everything we put on him,” added Cole. “He’s got the body that any woman or man would die for! At 49 years old, he [had] a slim dancer’s body … It was a lot of fun to work with someone who looks great in clothes, who knows how to move his body and who understands the camera. It was magic!”
“For a man nearly 50, he was still incredibly limber,” said Ebony/Jet Magazine’s Bryan Monroe of Jackson. ”He showed off a few of his classic moves during the photo shoot – the leg twist/kick move in particular … He’s still got it.”
Unfortunately for the King of Pop’s fans, and Noval Williams Films (the company that acquired the rights to the unreleased footage) the documentary’s initially planned June 25, 2014 release was blocked by The Estate of Michael Jackson.
The footage was originally offered to The Estate of Michael Jackson in 2011 by a third party (who filmed the source materials) in a deal that would have cost The Estate $1.25 million. The Estate opted against purchasing the footage, and, according to Novel Williams Films, never claimed in writing to the then-owner any ownership interest in the footage.
Following the Estate’s decision to pass up the footage, Novel Williams Films struck a deal with the third party for the rights in 2013 and proceeded to put together the documentary – ‘Michael Jackson: The Last Photo Shoots’.
However, when agreements were recently made for the documentary to be broadcast on Brazilian television, The Estate of Michael Jackson stepped in claiming the footage in question is private and owned by The Estate.
“The makers of the documentary are attempting to exploit footage and photographs of Michael Jackson, which we believe are owned by his Estate,” said Howard Weitzman, attorney for The Estate, in a recent statement. “The documentary contains footage of Michael during private moments that he never agreed could be publicly and commercially exploited without his consent and/or involvement. Michael never authorized or approved the use of this material in the film.”
Many fans were left in a state of disbelief that Weitzman would make the above comments considering that every single release The Estate has authorized since the superstar’s death has consisted of private materials ‘that he never agreed could be publicly and commercially exploited without his consent and/or involvement’ – including the ‘This Is It’ film comprised of Jackson’s private rehearsal footage; and the ‘MICHAEL’, ‘BAD 25’ and ‘XSCAPE’ albums which include unpublished songs Jackson never authorized for release.
Noval Williams Films has since filed suit against The Estate of Michael Jackson and is asking the court for a declaration that they haven’t infringed any copyrights and that The Estate has no valid claims.
“As a record producer and composer, I have been greatly influenced by Michael’s music and his message of love to the world,” responded Craig Williams – writer and director of the documentary. “While it is terribly unfortunate that litigation with the estate is required in order for us to share our film with Michael’s fans, I am confident that we will be able to resolve this situation and Michael’s fans will soon be able to see our wonderful and positive film.”
The issue remains unresolved. More to come…
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why this estate doing like this..their tons of mj footage in the vaults but they are releasing same footage over and over again in the videos ..now this documentary everyone wants to see it…but they stopped it..hope we all can watch it soon …
I agree with this. They must want to hurt legacy. It seems everyone except the estate seems to have great footage of MJ.
I believe they are doing this so they could have something to release in the next 100 years.
This move by the Executors of the Estate is beyond BULLSHIT and their damaging actions against Michael’s image and Legacy have gone on for long enough and this has to be the final straw.
They are quite happy to exploit his $2100 image when it suits them, YET-
-let media publish heinous allegations and damaging fabricated stories over and over again WITHOUT complaint,
-let a disgusting documentary about his autopsy be made and repeatedly aired,
-allow an unopposed CNN to air an interview with the physician that drugged him to death on the anniversary of his passing,
-release sub-par products again and again and again often with false claims (completely remastered to the highest quality my ass Vision),
-let his image be used on a computer generated face on an impersonators dancing body and an impersonators voice on an album
These corrupt Executors have repeatedly allowed Michael’s quality products and image be damaged, yet they rake in very healthy salaries regardless. They have burdened Michael’s Estate with debt with the IRS, yet they never stand up for him when disgusting lies are aired or publised, often leaving this job to his family or old lawyers to speak up and defend Michael. They try and block a positive film with a feeble and transparent excuse EVEN THOUGH THEY PASSED ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THIS FOOTAGE THEMSELVES. This insanity needs to stop. These idiots have done enough damage.
Exactly! The objection that Weitzman gave is so lame and ridiculous.
Maybe we have to consider that for all the points that you have summed up there is no legal ground to do anything against it (because MJ is not portrayed in it). Up till now there is no law to prevent this. Te estate can only politely or firm, “ask” not to broadcast the autopsy, the Murray interview …..But footage, containing Michael, can be claimed (registered). And they (Estate) have to, they have to stand for the rights of the Estate, meaning Michael’s mother and children. I would love to see the docu, but I think that Craig Williams was a little too greedy when he asked for 1.25 million. Don’t you think that this is a lot of money ?
Q. Gabriel-Smith I quote every words!!! Estate’s doings and not-doings are a shame….
Craig Williams didnt ask for money to sell the footage he actually was the one to get the footage from the people who offered it from the estate after the estate passes. Read the article again. “Noval Williams struck a deal with the third party to obtain the footage after the estat passed”
I think you need people on a board for the estate. maybe his son, a few fans. I am really cheesed of with teh job teh estate has doen with MJs legacy. I mean a VHS copy of wembly concert? Sorry, i dont buy the bull that they dont have it on film with the sound.
Absolutely and totally agree with you 1000% Q Gabriel-Smith – my exact thoughts and feelings.
The world needs to see more postive and beautiful stories aired about Michael – and this photo shoot documentary is one such story. Why the fake estate is not trying to repair all the media’s damage done to Michael’s name and image is beyond me – surely it’s not rocket science to them that if the general public see and hear the truth and positivity about Michael they will be more likely to purchase his music – win win for everyone??? Also when I first learned of this last photo shoot doco, I emailed Craig Williams asking whether any of the profits would be given to charity in Michael’s name (wanted to find out if they were just another organisation wanting to make $$ from Michael). The following is Craig’s quick response to my query and another reason I really want him to be able to get the doco out (he seems much more in tune with Michael’s true wishes and legacy than the fake estate is – would like to know if they’ve honoured Michael’s will and donated 20% to charity – yeh right??) –
On 21 September 2013 00:19, Craig wrote:
“Hi Michelle
Yes we have already had the charitable donation included in our plans. We know Michael’s giving, loving , healing heart is who he truly was and more than just his music he was about love and giving. Keep you posted as we move forward along in the journey.
Cheers
Craig :)”
don’t listen to them
Or maybe now the fake estate has seen the footage and hence it’s $ value they want it for themselves – didn’t want it before that. Or that it may make some people see Michael for the beautiful person he always has been, they want to stop it – WHY do they want the general public to keep hating him??
Other than unseen footage on BAD 25 documentary why has the estate not released any unseen footage. Are they planning any more singles from Xscape or have they finished the promotion? I get the impression that revenues matter, not legacy.
Sorry guys but I’m going to do my usual “side with the estate” rant.
I don’t agree with these comments at all, like them or not the estate exists and has a job to do unfortunatly and its absolutely in their interest to retain FULL control over these types of releases… if they can. For various reasons.
I along with all of you would obviously love to see the footage but i think the reality of the situation is likely to prevail, though id be happy to be wrong. It would be nice if they listened to the fan interest.
Im still yet to hear a viable replacement option from the fans on how to manage Michaels brand other than the estate. Id love to hear one but all i hear is the negative, which sometime does more damage than the estate itself. Non fans and press listen to it.
I very much agree. See my answer to an earlier post.
I think you need a board composed of his children, a few fans, maybe quincy jones, bruce swedien. People who did his marketing in the 80s. People who at least had a feel of how mj worked. I mean the hollogram for slave to the rythmn sucked. Even the experience game cgi was more convincing, which means it can be done. Why has the estate not released his videos by remeastering the original film? The did Vision but that looked photoshopped and not like how film looks whan its been restored. Why has the estate not released Monnwalker 25 or done anything for its legacy or released unseen footage? Why has teh estate released a VHS copy of the bad tour? (I do not buy the bull that they cannot locate the film with sound: buy his “the one” dvd and you see footage does exist, but teh estate cant locate this film footage can also be seen of the bad tour when he performs Man in the mirror in moonwalker. Why will the estate not release the Victory tour on DVD. It exists on film. Why does the estate not release videos with unseen footage of MJ? Can you start to see why the fans are what you call negative? The fans want things but the estate always has an excuse for not releasing it. Why is there no biopic of mj? A high budget film of the years 1979 to 1989 when MJ had the midas touch? There has been no documentary of mj on tv in recent years. Why? ask the estate. The cover for Xscape sucks. Only the original songs sound timeless. The contemporary versions will sound dated in a few years. I want to cry sometimes at the way things are going.
I’d be happy with anyone taking charge who weren’t crooks completely taking the piss. There is only one reason to support the current estate in anything, and that’s if you’re an unprincipled whore.
I’m with you 100%, R Fresh. I’m really tired – and bored – by all this anti-Estate ranting. I’m not saying they do everything perfectly. I want to see this docu as much as anyone – seriously – but there isn’t a person here — or anywhere — that has any clue what it must be like to manage this MASSIVE estate and all it’s complications. It’s very easy to sit on the sidelines and accuse and denigrate the executors (just like tabloids did to Michael) but until someone can come up with an alternative and one who we can be assured 100% would have been Michael’s alternative, we have to accept what we have. I hope the Estate and the docu owners can work this out. It is so important to see Michael fit, well and happy after what we now know from the (bottom feeding) AEG trial.
And, FTR, QJ IMO should not be on any board to make decisions about Michael’s affairs. He’s done enough MJ bashing that I have little, if any, respect for him anymore.
Estate fucked up this time. But Xscape album is AMAZING! First thing they did right.
AMEN !!!!
I am not an Estate defender, by any means. But if the following statement is true – then Weitzman’s claim is correct, this footage is “work for hire” and Michael Jackson is the author of that footage:
“I want you to take it from the perspective of Mr. Weber, so you’re getting the making of the whole thing from his perspective,” Jackson instructs the film crew as he prepares to be photographed by Weber.
We know MJ’s Estate profited from TII and I assume the same is true for Bad 25. If the above footage was authored by MJ, he also has the right to share in the profits from this new documentary. I don’t think we can assume the Estate doesn’t want it seen quite yet, but we can assume that they want MJ to get his cut. If he paid for that footage to be shot, he has a right to profit from it. This appears to be a valid copyright ddispute.
Yep, and I wonder, after reading what Michael said (and hearing him say that in footage) if it is correct that Mr. Williams has this footage in possession. Maybe he (Williams) did not get paid, for some reason, and he thinks that now he has the right to do anything with it. I am sure the production cost was not 1.25 million, otherwise Michael would not have agreed to do it. He simply could not afford it. Maybe we have to wait for the truth to come out. I don’t like to speculate, but I think many people will be surprised when they find out how it really went.
Of course Michael said film this and that because he’s Michael Jackson and is creative and has ideas of how he wants to look and be portrayed when he is being filmed. Obviously all stars are concerned about how the look and what’s being shot of them. This doesn’t mean Michael hired the to shoot him is means Michael was involved in what did and didn’t want shot. We will have to wait for the outcome.
It’s unfortunate that this release got blocked in a legal dispute. Footage of MJ in the last years would be very dear to fans. I wish the Estate just let it go.
However, from the lawsuit docs, it looks like they likely do have legal ground to claim copyright co-ownership which means good chances the producer won’t be allowed to release it without the Estate’s permission. Also $1.25M seems a bit over the top. Maybe if they approached it more gracefully from the beginning and asked the Estate’s permission instead of trying to sell it to them for an insane amount, we’d be able to see it now.
If you read it correctly the Estate past on it and never made claims to the footage nor did they every state then it was a “work for hire” when it was offered to them nor did they ever present any evidence during this negotiations that they had a claim on the footage when it was offered to them so why all of a sudden they want to say it was a “work for hire” now that someone else acquired the footage and the rights to the footage after the estate passed on it? Simple because they messed up and passed o what could have been something else the estate could have made money on. They don’t known Michael and if they did they would have know that this footage was the start of his cenacle and into the public eye after the trial but they didn’t know that and made a boo boo and lost out. Williams legally obtained the footage and all rights from the third party and the third party held all rights not the estate. There is no work for hire because the third party owned it and shot it.
According to Weitzman, though, when the owner communicated with the Estate, they didn’t mention their intention to release it commercially or sell it for commercial release. Hence, the whole “work for hire” issue didn’t come up. Of course, we may not know the whole story.
The wise thing to do, imo, would have been for the party that was going to turn it into a commercial product (which would be Williams) to contact the Estate before paying money for the footage and check/clear it with them. Or, if Williams was deceived into thinking that the footage was owned and cleared by the party who sold it, he should sue them, not the Estate. But as I said, we may not know the whole story.
– In July 2011, a lawyer representing the third party who shot the footage contacted Karen Langford from MJ Estate to sell the footage to MJ Estate. They showed portions of it to MJ Estate. They asked $250,000 to buy it, additional $250,000 for limited commercial usage (less than 10 minutes) and additional $750,000 to have full rights (so a total of $1.25 Million). Estate did not purchase it.
WHY didn’t they purchase it to obtain the rights then? Seriously, Howard Weitzman raising a moral objection to the broadcast of this footage because Michael Jackson didn’t give ‘consent’ is laughable. And I’m gonna quote someone with whom I completely agree on this subject: “Michael Jackson didn’t ‘consent’ to any of the Estate’s posthumous products either. This footage is no more private than the footage of This Is It rehearsals.
He didn’t consent to three fake songs on a “Michael” album. He didn’t consent to a box set where all his cherished music videos, which he put his heart and soul into and paid for out of his own pocket because they were so important to him, were carelessly shown in the wrong aspect ratio and frame rate, with his music presented in tinny stereo 2.0, rather than the 5.1 surround sound he insisted on while he was alive. He didn’t consent to the release of a grainy, strobing, degraded jumbtron VHS recording of a concert [Bad at Wembley] he specifically paid to have shot on celluloid movie film. ‘Consent’? That’s the argument the Estate wants to raise? Really?
Hypocrisy in action. It would d be funny if it wasn’t so pitiful.
The Estate almost certainly doesn’t own this footage or have any claim on it. A photographer always owns their own images, unless they specifically sign away the rights. This is just the Estate using bully-boy tactics to stop anyone else profiting from posthumous products Michael Jackson didn’t consent to. They want the monopoly on that particular business.”
“I want you to take it from the perspective of Mr. Weber, so you’re getting the making of the whole thing from his perspective,” Jackson instructs the film crew as he prepares to be photographed by Weber.
How do you understand this sentence then ? To me it looks like indeed Mr. Weber is the photographer, and he, or Michael will be the owner of the pictures or even Ebony or Vogue) But this has nothing to do with the making of the documentary. If Michael gives instructions for the filming, one might think that HE is the director, or producer, or financing it. In this case, the footage is owned by Michael. Is it fair then that Mr. Williams would take it an run away with it and charge the Estate for 1.25 M (for something that was owned by Michael) ? Like I said in an earlier post : the making of the docu surely did not cost that much money. I am NOT saying that this is the true story, but it is a possibility. So I would not beforehand point at the Estate as the “evil” ones. Let’s wait ….and be open minded.
Where on Earth does the notion that Mr. Williams sought $1.25M from The Estate come from? $1.25M is the figure that the original owner of the photo shoots footage was shopping said footage and rights to The Estate for. Mr. Williams purchased said footage FROM that company in order to produce this documentary.
Oh, and did Michael specifically ever gave his consent that anyone can take his demos, “contemporize” them, remix them, and make a boastful ego-trip documentary on how they are “genius” who “made his demos/songs actually listenable”?
Seems to me that at issue is who owns the footage or who has the copyrights to it. If Michael Jackson had the rights to it then selling it to the estate would be selling it something it already owns. The fan community may not always like what the estate releases but they do have the legal right to decide what is released. It is not the same argument to say the estate has released private stuff without Michael’s permission since the Estate now represents Jackson. It is comparing apples to oranges. I do hope they come to an agreement because it would be awesome for Michael Jackson’s legacy. It is now in the court’s hands.
I totally agree, and I only hope everything will be correct, fair, and that some fans “think” before they write ….
Exactly this.
Like it or not, the Estate now is the arbiter of all things Jackson and that means that if you want to do something that he was involved in you have to go through them.
This seems pretty cut and dry to me.
It’s akin to someone having some un-released MJ vocals, making a song out of it, and then trying to release it on their own. They cannot do that because, even if they had recorded those vocals with Michael themselves the Estate now controls all things MJ related.
Is it odd that they’d use the excuse about this being a private matter? Of course. Clearly they are blocking the release because they don’t want other people to make money off of Jackson’s likeness, presence, etc. But that’s a totally fair and valid argument, and this kind of control is important in the long run.
Yes, in this case it may seem unfair, but let’s say the documentary was highly negative they could use the same power to block that.
If the filmmakers poney up the money and strike a deal with the estate this all goes away. They didn’t and that’s why this is now a problem.
Does this include MJ impersonators. Will they start legal disputes with them?
To quote you’ “Clearly they are blocking the release because they don’t want other people to make money off of Jackson’s likeness, presence, etc. But that’s a totally fair and valid argument, and this kind of control is important in the long run.
Yes, in this case it may seem unfair, but let’s say the documentary was highly negative they could use the same power to block that.”
So why are they not blocking other negative documentaries then? So many have been made about him, and still continue to air. They maybe can’t, but they don’t even speak up or try. Nor do they try to protect his image at all, even when the family and fans cry out for them to file a complaint against disgusting UK media and their false allegations, they fail to follow through with an official complaint.
There are plenty of people making money of Michael’s image on bootleg items of merch etc. And they hardly do anything to stop this. They stopped his OWN MOTHER from releasing a book about her son. Katherine (and J3) ARE the Estate. These greedy men are the Executors.
They passed on their chance to purchase this film, and now they have changed their minds because they realised that they hadn’t thought of a way to monetize it themselves and were now going to miss out.
MiMi you perfectly hit the point. Right!
Makes you wonder about the Estate at times. The songs MJ wrote were put out as were other things, why not something worthwhile like the last photos…I’m sure fans would just love to see them as I would. What so private about them? Weren’t his songs that were in a vault private?
I believe his mother released the book Never Can Say goodbye but this is no longer available. Ask the estate why? The estate did not release a book for Bad 25, which could have been interesting because Thriller 25 book was released. There is not much poor quality leaked footage of mj on you tube. I would pay for the original if the estate ever releases it.
‘One scene is sure to send Jackson’s female fans into a frenzy…..’ Maybe his male fans might be sent in a frenzy too! You DO know MJ has Gay fans too, right?
Obviously the estate are terrified of anybody making any money off MJ without them getting a cut. As Damien mentioned, they have shown zero regard for MJ’s wishes or privacy with each and every release since his death..
Hopefully this gets resolved quickly so we can see this film.. it sounds like it will be a really enjoyable watch for MJ fans.
Spectacular article!! I really do hope we get to see this!!
This news about legal haggling is so disappointing. If the Estate was truly representing the best interest of Michael Jackson (beyond the ***financial***aspects), they would work to settle differences and make this documentary available to his fans. Video images are all we have of him now. This particular photo shoot was especially wonderful and shows Michael at his absolute best, physically and mentally. Please! This documentary is too important to be shelved.
I was there for the photo shoot. It was the first time I saw the KOP, until that day, I only knew Mr. Jackson.
LOL… You forgot VISION DVD with “One more chance” B$! I wonder if Michael wanted to release it in that way or never do it in any way! 😉
“As Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard, Jackson’s bodyguards at the time recalled in their book ‘Remember the Time – Protecting Michael Jackson in his final days’; this was Mr. Jackson in ‘King of Pop mode’. (…)” -_-
Personally, I am not very keen on watching a documentary on MJ’s photoshoot. Why not concentrate on Xscape and release footages of MJ recording in the studios or talking about his songs? I was very much looking forward to the Xscape documentary, although it was nice to see people talking about their experiences working with MJ it would have been even better to see some pictures or footages as well. Bad 25 till date is the only documentary that I have watched many times because it has great information about MJ’s talent and how he made ideas work. And I have watched the MTV 1999 interview of MJ talking about Thriller and the process involved in creating it many times. Its amazing to hear it from the master himself. Why not dig in the vaults and make a documentary on things that he worked for? Making a documentary on his humanitarian work, his inspiration, talking about Neverland are also great ideas. I also loved the Immortal world tour documentary. What exactly would we benefit by watching MJ in his photoshoot? Also, it was meant to be private. I am sure MJ would never have wanted to release a documentary where it showed him stumbling and falling during the photoshoot.
A documentary of his Humanitarian work and speeches (Oxford speech!) would be incredible. But it won’t sell records, so it won’t happen.
I guess I’m an “unprincipled whore” then, because I support the estate in doing the job MICHAEL JACKSON chose them to do, not who the “fans” want in that position.. Their job is to protect and grow Michael’s estate for his children, the way HE wanted, which is exactly what they’ve been doing.They can’t and never will make every single fan happy.
Yep.
Then why are they doing such a bad job? They aren’t protecting his image and legacy at all, nor have they grown his Estate. They have created a $750 MILLION debt to the IRS.
And what evidence is there that Michael chose these corrupt clowns, including Branca who MJ fired for his illegal acts prior? A very questionable will and what else?
Oh my gosh, It’s true!! ignorance really is bliss, isn’t it?! ESTATE/BRANCA HATERS, GET OVER IT!!!!
Sadly so many are on the side of the “documentary” and badmouthing the estate.. how quickly memories fade – perhaps if the estate were to release some NEW footage, fans wouldn’t be so desperate for ANYTHING Michael.
HOWEVER, those connected to this photo shoot were also the ones who thought it FUNNY and profitable that Michael TRIPPED AND FELL during this shoot and they were more than happy to release that video and photos to the press. Sorry but I don’t see them as a ‘victim’ of the Big Bad MJ Estate.
If you have read any of my past comments on here, you will find that I am an ardent MJ supporter. What I am about to say will rub many the wrong way, but I’m just being candid.
The estate probably is not enthusiastic about showing this footage because at this point of Jackson’s career, he looks like a mannequin woman. It is just flat out sad and weird to a new generation of pop culture who did not grow up with the electrifying and charming image of the 80s. This is the brand the estate wants to preserve. Anything post Dangerous does not help the cause.
I am a DJ. The younger generations at events and weddings don’t often request Michael Jackson because they grew up familiar with the negative impression of him of his last years. If they do request MJ, 90% of the time one of three songs: Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal. Every once in a while you get something else, maybe Beat It or The Way You Make Me Feel, but that’s it.
This is the way legacy branding works. For example if you have ever heard about a Dollywood, the theme park in Tennessee based on Dolly Parton’s career, you will see they mostly use images of her from about 10 years ago. Why? Because she looks like a plastic mannequin/grandmaw now… trying to preserve an image without just being able to age gracefully. When she dies one day, the park will likely begin using images closer to her prime rather than try to use images “sort of” closer to her living age. This is our culture…we are programmed to worship youth rather
than celebrate and honor our seniors.
Bottomline, the new generation doesn’t care about that brand of Jackson from the photo shoot. As a matter of fact they make fun of it because it’s bizarre and creepy, just like watching granny Madonna grope on stage with young performers.
The estate is trying to make $. Period.
Is that why the estate has not released the Victory tour but used a post History era photo on the Xscape album?
No. Nobody gives a rat’s ass about the Victory tour except hardcore fans such as those that make comments here. However it is why they covered his face up with a Saturn like ring collar.
Heath Claiborne, what you are saying is exactly WHY this documentary is so important and why it needs to be seen. In case you haven’t been paying attention (evidently you haven’t) there is a precise reason why an entire legion of female MJ fans are clamoring for this release. There are many of us who find Michael in his mature era incredibly sexy. The so-called “freak” image of him was not based on footage like those we have from these photo shoots. It is based on those awful, unflattering (sometimes even photoshopped pics) that the tabloids regurgitated over and over. The tabloids loved to be in control of the image of Michael that the world saw in his last years. Precisely what I love about the concept of this film is that it is a celebration of Michael’s physical beauty at almost fifty years of age.
Secondly, although I believe the release of “Love Never Felt So Good” as the lead single off Xscape was an obvious ploy to appeal to the nostalgia factor, I have not seen any evidence that the estate is only attempting to sell the youthful MJ brand. The Cirque du Soleil show, for example, encompasses his entire career. They made the conscious decision to feature a mature era photo of Michael prominently on the Xscape cover. For the virtual hologram performance, when they could have chosen any Michael era to represent, including his Thriller-era image, they opted instead to go with a Dangerous-era representation. So, frankly, I think you are way off base on this one, not to mention your comments are so downright demeaning that I seriously doubt you are a supporter.
If Michael’s female fans alone support this doc, heck, it should make a killing. Beyond that, if it encourages others to re-think what they were led to believe about the caricature myth created by the tabloids, that is even better and all the more reason why it needs to be seen.
I don’t pretend to know what is going on behind the scenes with this doc or who is in the right as far as the legalities of it, but I pretty safely assure that the reasons behind it have nothing to do with MJ’s appearance or any desire to only sell his 80’s image.
I’m sorry, there may be “legions” of older hardcore female MJ fans who don’t think he looks like a caked make-up woman during this period, but there are not “legions” of MJ fans of the new generation. Maybe some fans of MJ music, but not of MJs physical appearance post Dangerous years.
He looked horrible in This Is It, and his face was intentionally hidden in the One More Chance video. I’m not sure why you used the hologram as an example because I said, “post-Dangerous.” Regardless, the reason they used this image of him during the Dangerous period is because Slave to the Rhythm was RECORDED DURING THE DANGEROUS period in 1991… good grief Captain Obvious! In both Immortal and One, producers use music from his entire career, but much less imagery in post Dangerous years. On the Xscape cover, his face is covered with a Saturn-like ring. I think that photo looked OK, the space modern theme fit a look of “contemporized” music of synth sounds and Timberland snap beats rather than a too retro look.
So basically your logic is because I candidly remarked I think that MJ looked like a mannequin during this time frame, I am being very demeaning and therefore I must not be a MJ supporter? …….because obviously ALL true supporters think he looked just swell?
That really makes sense Miss Sensitive Pants
Heath, I’m gonna’ apologize in advance for being a long-winded, pontificating jackass. With that said:
What the absolute fuck are you talking about? You speak of Michael as if he’s never been feminine before the 90s. Michael Jackson has ALWAYS been feminine. It’s like when people point out how “weird” Michael ended up, as if he weren’t ALWAYS fucking weird. However, weird is absolutely not synonymous with bad. Weird is a large part of what made Michael extraordinary and beautiful – and immortal. But I digress.
Even in his teens before a stitch of cosmetic alteration, his voice, mannerisms and persona can be considered quite feminine for a male – Michael has always been a combination of traditionally feminine and masculine characteristics. I find Michael’s androgynous nature to be highly alluring and suspect countless other fans do as well, regardless of gender identity or sexuality. Whether people realize it or not, Michael’s appeal transcends black and white perceptions of attraction and beauty.
Both men and women have always been attracted to Michael because he’s this fascinating juxtaposition of pretty, sweet and soft spoken against a fierce, hard edged intensity on stage. His voice was a pure, trilling sound that wasn’t distinctly masculine or feminine, but a more otherworldly union of both spectra.
There’s a reason why he appealed to so many different types of people and it’s not because he was ever a rugged, masculine “every-man” type of guy. I’d also say him being perceived as sexy is largely irrelevant. Who cares if the average mainstream basic ass female doesn’t find him sexy.
Many do find him sexy in all eras, (as I have seen constantly on fan boards) but I don’t believe that sex appeal is what inherently draws most people to Michael Jackson in the first place. I mean, sex was not his brand, he did not deliberately try to be sexy. It’s not like he’s famous for being a Playboy Bunny or an extra on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He’s famous for line dancing with spectres, wide eyes, wearing pink Mickey Mouse sweaters and being dipped in the sparkly section of Jo-Ann’s Craft Store.
“Sexy” is just too narrow of a concept. Some people only have sexy but Michael had WAY more than that. I think a lot of people are attracted to Michael in ways that simultaneously define and blur lines of aesthetic, romantic, sensual, platonic and sexual attraction.
For instance, I truly believe a large deal of men are attracted to Michael Jackson in a way that’s not necessarily sexual at all, but it’s the kind of thing they’d be hard pressed to admit so they rely on his dancing/music to be the arbiter of their interest when it’s really more than that. But it’s precisely why I think it’s a bit off base for this article to say “female fans” would be drawn to a certain scene as if dudes – be they gay, straight or otherwise – wouldn’t. Like men don’t think Michael was a sweet, adorable bastard? Bullshit they don’t.
The truth is, a lot of people were attracted to Michael for many reasons, he was a magnetic motherfucker. I think young people who aren’t familiar with the 80s God would have still been all over Mikey if he were alive and on fire like he was s’posed to be right now. I’m young and a lot of my peers are assholes, but they’re just ignorant of who Michael is. For the young and unknowing to the older and jaded, if people would just be open-minded enough to realize he never “really” changed. But I’m off tangent again.
Do not even sit here and tell the lie that a feminine Michael Jackson is not appealing in our current era of pop culture where androgyny and queerness are more readily laced within the forefront of social media, music and television than ever before.
Michael Jackson never needed to be, act or look like a regular dude and he wasn’t meant to. In reference to the photoshoot, Michael DID look pretty damn good in the footage I’ve seen, better than he’d looked in years. The trailers are completely positive – Michael is glowing with smiles and giggles and an obvious good mood. People who’ve met Michael have spoken about this transfixing “aura” he exudes, including straight men. It’s like unicorns, kittens, rainbows and glitter are falling out of his ass and everyone loves it.
You dismiss this documentary because you are going solely on his appearance, which means you’re missing the entire damn point of it. It needs to be released because this is one of the rare moments where we are privy to Michael as a person, where we get to see him laugh and have fun and feel comfortable. In so many interviews he was obviously in disarray, feeling violated and treated like a circus freak.
But this is so different. You can FEEL the beauty of Michael Jackson and THAT is what is important, that is why people – casual fans, hardcore stans, haters and bums on the street need to have the opportunity to see the goddamn documentary in its entirety. A lot of people don’t know who Michael was and it’s because they’ve not tried to look, they’ve only taken the shit on a plate the mainstream media serves and called it a day. The type of footage that’s shown in this doc allows people to see and understand him more readily without a filter of bullshit.
I remember listening to the recording of the 2007 Ebony Interview back then and thinking about how marvelous Michael sounded, I replayed it so many times. He seemed happy and excited, he sounded ridiculously young and full of vitality – I never thought we’d lose him so soon. This documentary features that same Michael and it would be a fucking shame if The Estate really felt the way you do – that revealing Michael, the real, human, special creature that he was to our modern world would hurt him.
The reality is that we NEED more material like this. It helps dispel the manufactured caricature the media has used as a stand-up routine all these years. It’s like those clips and flashes circulating Youtube – of Michael being shy and embarrassed, of Michael speaking earnestly about magic, where we hear the laughter, the smile in his voice, his mannerisms. These moments showcase Michael not as an entertainer, not as a money making slot machine, but as a human being. An uncommonly gentle, mellifluous, charmingly weird, breathtaking human being who deserves respect, who deserves love. I suppose that’s it in a nut shell – this documentary displays why Michael deserves love.
you know, MJ looked better than he had in years during this time period. I believe it’s probably because Makeup artist Karen Faye was out of the picture….. but he looks way better in this footage than he does in Living With Michael Jackson doc and even This is It, which were the last glimpses people had of MJ besides the trial stuff… Michael Jackson loooks realy good in this footage. really really really good…..If I keep going I’ll embarras myself but yeah… you’re a dude Heath Claiborne. Of course you don’t see it.
you know…what I really hope can be done, is that these people and the Estate negotiate something to where we can see this documentary…my issue with the way they wanted to do it is that it would be shown only on Brazillian television. If we can have it as a Worlwide Network TV special I wuold be very very happy. If the estate can work out advertisement for Xscape into the airng of the Doc that would be good too right? Maybe the music from Xscape can be used in parts where MJ isn’t talking like they used various music in The Making Of Ghosts IF the Estate and these people can work this out without either one playing dirty it could be a really good thing. If they can’t it will be a huge Estate FAIL
Heath Caliborne is more than a dude. Complete jackass is more like it.
Maybe. But I’m candid and logical. The context was speculating why the estate may or may not have interest in releasing this footage. This “dude” believes that most women do not find that photo above an attractive masculine man, which I would surmise most ladies prefer (when I use the word “most,” this is the group the estate likely has vested interest). If you kissed that “sexy” face you would have caked makeup all over your lips! Now, don’t get your panties all in a wad…just messing with you. I’m not P.C.,and I’m not a fawning follower…I would never stand outside a hotel screaming for a signed pillow case from ANYONE.
However that man is the greatest entertainer of my generation, and I admire and respect the man and the music.
from what I’ve seen his appearance in this footage is reminicant of how he looked during HIStory era. healthy and robust. Whether Michael seemed masculine or feminine looking was never an issue for me. He was always beautiful and attractive in some way or another. most women are way more relaxed than men when it comes to those bounderies. Why does it matter so much when you got people like Prince, Steven Tyler, all the 80’s hair band members David bowie back in the day… all those guys looked effeminate and women flocked to them. They stil do btw… nobody seriously makes fun of their looks or sexuality either..
Steven Tyler wears makeup, ladies perfume, womens clothing, womens shoes sometimes… and it’s hot. Did you see the women all over him when he was on american idol??
Michael in this footage may look sorta womaish to you but he’s gorgeous no matter how you want to descrbe it. His body language and his behavior seems totally masculine and confident. The public didn’t get to see him as that confident intelligent person as often as they should have. Alot of people by now relaize he had a skin disease and some other issues maybe but are ready too look past that to see the person. Yeah some people will make jokes about him looking like a woman or something, but what else is new? He looks alot better and healthier than in the bashir interview, and somehow we got through that schitstorm. I wan to se this footage and if that means the haters get to see it too so be it…
and Heath Claiborne isn’t a jackass either. he seems to be an okay dude to me Raven. He just has a differing opinion, which is totaly okay.
how old is older heath? I’m in my twenties. and I have other female friends who are younger who feel the same way.
Diana always graciously and sweetly defends others. 🙂
Thank you. All your points are very good and I agree.
My original opinion was the estate is most interested (not solely,mostly) in mainstream popular culture, and I speculate (which I emphasize I don’t really know) that the estate is interested in not only preserving a legacy, but rebooting his legacy for tens fans, and hose who grew up learning about a tainted, weird reputation unfairly and maliciously created by the cold media.
Pop culture is popular because it is the easiest group to be a part. It is the easiest sector to program and market to because they are the most vulnerable and easiest to influence. Everyone wants to be accepted and be a part of something so they feel like they have a purpose.
I view the the population in 3 general groups: (this is a gross generalization so please be slow to be offended)
The first group is the popular mainstream market. This is the largest group by far. They generally just like what whatever their friends like, or what they are told to like. They are not trend setters; they are followers. These are the same people who join bandwagons and trends. These are the kids wearing the latest logos on their shirts like the Sneetches with stars on their belly in the Dr. Seuss story.
The second group is the ones who try so hard to be cool and shun pop regardless of the quality actual quality and talent. You know ….the ones who read a underground article then tell you how some fringe band is so great, or wear something like a Clash shirt or something discriminating but definitely never popular to the mainstream….that would be uncool.
The third group are those who simply recognize good music and talent regardless whether it is popular or alternative. They are not swayed by what others think. If they like it and enjoy it, then it is so.
(There is one last group I forgot. Such as the old man walking the mall in S.A.S. beige loafers with brown socks and plaid shorts because he don’t give a S***!
They are the coolest of all because all they care about is who they love and where they are going.)
The estate IMHO is focused on group 1.
This is where the money lies and to be mined.
My opinion is that much of group 1 grew up influenced negatively by the media, and created a marketing stymie. These documentary and photos don’t help that cause towards the mainstream, especially the younger popular market. I think more find it strange than sexy, that’s all. Just my opinion.
I knew when I used my never subtle adjectives that I would get a rise from someone emotional or sensitive, and I might indeed be a jackass because I made the remark knowing it would happen.:)
Diane, I think you hit on something important which is what I was trying to say. Michael displays a dashing confidence in himself and his mature looks in these shots which wasn’t always on display. Throughout most of the 00’s he was very reclusive and the public only saw him as he was caricatured in the tabloids. From the Bashir doc to the Arvizo trial, everything was focused on the negative and the “freakish.” We rarely got to see instances where Michael “owned” his looks and sexuality during this period. Rather, he was always being portrayed as the butt of some late night comedian’s joke. Again, as I’ve said before, a very important reason why this documentary needs to be seen.
40 years old, can’t say 39 anymore…
Well, I will apologize for the “jackass” remark but keep in mind that you say you are only being candid and speaking your mind. Okay, so when I am candid and speak my mind, I am accused of being sensitive and having my panties in a twist. What’s the difference? No, it is called having an equally strong opinion and the confidence to feel I am right in expressing it. And I simply don’t agree that the estate is only interested in promoting the youthful image of Michael. There is nothing substantial to support such a theory. It is what you think because it is your OPINION-as a guy, no less- that this is the only commercially viable image of Michael that the public will accept. To get back to the original issue, I doubt seriously that has anything at all to do with the issue of this documentary. It is Williams, after all, who is suing the estate, not vice versa.
You initiated the engagement by concluding my comments are demeaning, and therefore I’m not a true supporter. You accused me. I teased you after the accusation, but accuse you of nothing. That’s the difference.
Your opinion is valid, maybe more accurate than mine.
No apology needed. I am a jackass, but a huge MJ fan! 🙂
The estate could make it available on the website for the hardcore fans like they did with the Bad documentary. The don’t need to put it on VEVO. Personally I thought MJ looked great in the Off The Wall and Thriller era. He doesn’t look any worse in this photo shoot than he did during the Living With MJ documentary. It is another part of MJ’s history so it should be made available. Only hard core fans pay attention to this stuff anyway.
* for new fans, not ten fans
lol @ Heath Claiborne “ten fans, and hoes”
Haha! Exactly, the estate is going after the fans and hoes…
Whoops, sloppy iPhone attempt while stuck in DJ booth…I have lost all grammatical dignity
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