The Complete Jackson Chronicles

The project was based on a 1985 book about the real-life experiences of author Jennings Michael Burch. Jackson showed the book to Stoller in 2002 and asked if he wanted to produce and co-direct a movie version. Later, Jackson met Burch at Neverland (see video below). -- The Hollywood Reporter, 9 p.m. ET July 21.

Jackson TV Special Falls Apart

AEG Live, the promoter behind Jackson's 50 "This Is It" comeback concerts in London, has been negotiating for several days with movie studios for the film rights to the concert rehearsal footage as well as broadcast rights to a tie-in television special.Although NBC was interested in the project as recently as Monday, and other networks showed interest last week, all of the networks balked over AEG’s $20-million price tag for a show that would not include any new or exclusive footage of Jackson performing. -- Los Angeles Times, 4:43 p.m. ET July 21

Jackson Deal Details Unveiled

Details are emerging about Sony's deal to acquire the Michael Jackson rehearsal footage. The price: $60 million. The release date: Friday, Oct. 30. The financial split: 90% to the Jackson estate and 10% to AEG Live. The Jackson estate is comprised of his kids, his mother and the eventual charity that will be formed in Michael’s name. The Hollywood Reporter, 3:00 PST, July 21

Sony Closing Deal for Rehearsal Footage Rights

Sony has all but closed a deal to acquire the Michael Jackson rehearsal footage filmed before the pop star was to make his comeback tour in London. A knowledgeable source close to the negotiations said the deal would be for a feature film. "High School Musical" impresario Kenny Ortega, who served as the concert's choreographer, would be the likely choice as director, and the footage includes several videos that were to be shown between breaks during the concerts. Negotiations had hit a fever pitch over the weekend, with Fox also in the running. The amount is said to be north of $50 million. AEG is also selling TV rights. Wrap Staff, 9:00 PST, July 19

Sony, Fox Lead Bidding Over Rehearsal Footage

Sony and Fox were leading bidding that had soared to $50 million for the rights to the footage of the final rehearsal of Michael Jackson's 02 concert, according to knowledgeable individuals close to the negotiations. TheWrap first reported that the concert promoter had recorded the full rehearsal that took place at Staples the night before Jackson's collapse and death. The rehearsal was recorded in multi-camera HD and 3D, and is of a quality that could be released as a movie, or DVD. AEG later confirmed the report, and said that it had "at least 100 hours" of footage of Jackson during rehearsals, and behind the scenes. "Several studios have been actively pursuing this deal and it is our understanding that nothing will be resolved until sometime next week," ne executive acquainted with the bidding said on Saturday. An AEG spokesman denied knowledge of negotiations but noted that most of any profits from such a deal would go to the Jackson estate.

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